Damian Lewis has spoken in a new interview about his late wife Helen McCrory and revealed one of the sweet gestures she made to him in their life together. The Peaky Blinders star died from cancer in April 2021 aged 52.
Back in February, fans of the BBC One show were left in tears as it dedicated the first episode of its final series to the actress who starred as Shelby family matriarch Polly Gray. The programme addressed her absence by writing her death into the plotline which caused members of the Shelby family to subsequently spiral.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Thursday morning (June 9), actor Damian paid a moving tribute to his late wife saying, "She’s with us". He appeared on the ITV news programme ahead of his return to Soccer Aid this Sunday. The big charity match is returning live to ITV with another star-studded line-up ready to raise money for UNICEF.
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Talking to GMB hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shepherd, the Band of Brothers star shared his memories of Helen and revealed how Helen was always his biggest supporter. Presenter Ben started by saying: "The first time I met you and your lovely wife Helen away from work was at Soccer Aid many years ago in Manchester and you were there with the family and the kids.
"She was always such a vociferous supporter of you and everything you did. Kate and I were very honoured to be at her memorial service just a few weeks ago. I’d imagine you’ve been very moved by the outpouring of love and support that has been shown towards her since she sadly passed away."
Damian replied: "Well, She was a fabulous human being and people from all walks of life have been in touch to say what an impact she had on their lives. That day we had a few weeks ago was a very special day, I’m very glad you could have been part of it and she was celebrated by her tribe, her profession, the acting profession - actors, directors, producers, writers all showed up and she’s much, much missed.
"When she came to Soccer Aid the very first time, I’d gone into my hotel room at The Lowry in Manchester and it was covered in Union Jack bunting and England flags everywhere which she’d gone out and bought and decorated the room with. So, she’s with us. She’s with us again this year."
Kate added: "As you say, she touched so many people’s lives that we all feel the loss that obviously you live with every day, a little fraction of it anyway."
Helen, who was also known for her roles in the James Bond and Harry Potter franchises, died from cancer in April. A "heartbroken" Damian shared at the time she had died peacefully at home and paid tribute to his "beautiful and mighty" wife in a social media post.
Damian and Helen married in July 2007 after meeting four years earlier on stage at London's Almeida Theatre. The couple have two teenage children, daughter Manon and son, Gulliver. Two days after Helen's death, Damian penned an emotional tribute to her "fearlessness, wit, curiosity, talent and beauty."
