Actress Anna Friel reveals lockdown killed her four-year relationship

Anna Friel today reveals how lockdown resulted in the end of her latest romance.

In an interview with You magazine, the actress says: ‘A relationship I was in for four years broke down after about the first two weeks…

‘When we went into lockdown, I remember thinking: “God, there’s going to be so many people breaking up during this.”

‘While I like to keep my private life incredibly private, I think there’s going to be such a fallout at the end of all this that it’s important to say, “I’m human, it happens to all of us and it is difficult.” ’ 

The 44-year-old, who shot to fame as Beth Jordache in Channel 4’s Brookside before carving out an award-winning career in TV, film and stage, does not name her former partner, but in recent years has been linked to Regimental Corporal Major Mark Jaworski, 42.

She has used the time at her home in Windsor with daughter Gracie, from her relationship with actor David Thewlis, to reflect on her life.

‘Maybe I’m being more reflective because you don’t normally have time to stop and analyse these things. You just keep moving,’ she says. ‘Now you can really overthink stuff, so nothing feels without worry.

‘Even if you’re in a relationship, some of my friends are still suffering from extreme loneliness because they’re used to a life of being busy.’

The Golden Globe-nominated actress also admits to being afraid of the prospect of her daughter, now 15, flying the nest.

‘I’m dreading it,’ she says. ‘I left home at 16.’ But she has devised a solution. ‘I always joke with Gracie: “Mummy will get a house for you and I’ll live in the garden. I can help with the grandchildren.” ’