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Sherwood star David Morrissey’s ex-wife Esther Freud, 62, reveals ‘unbearable’ menopause led to the shock collapse of their 27 year relationship – after actor, 61, moved on with girlfriend Larah Simpson, 32

BBG News

Esther Freud, a well-known novelist, has disclosed the genuine cause for the unexpected end of her 27-year romantic partnership with actor David Morrissey from “Sherwood.

Lucian Freud’s daughter, who had been married to a 61-year-old actor for 13 years until 2019, has confessed that despite exhausting all possible efforts, the challenges posed by menopause and her strong yearning for children placed immense stress on their marriage.

Esther, being 62, didn’t suspect her troubles were due to menopause at the time,” or simply “Esther, 62, wasn’t aware her problems were related to menopause.

Sleepless nights were mine, as my mind whirled with thoughts, anxieties, and disappointments. It was an agonizing phase that eventually contributed to the demise of my marriage.

The pair, initially brought together through their shared passion at a drama institute, eventually tied the knot in a heartfelt wedding on Southwold Pier following more than ten years of courtship. Together they’ve been blessed with three kids – Albie, Anna, and Gene.

After the separation, David started a new relationship with theatrical agent Larah Simpson, who is only four years older than his oldest son. (age of the son included)

Esther, a descendant of Sigmund Freud, who pioneered psychoanalysis, has disclosed the significant impact that her menopause-related struggles had on the demise of her romantic partnership.

Reflecting on the Postcards From Midlife podcast, I shared my heartfelt sentiments: ‘It wasn’t that things were catastrophically worse than before, but in a sudden moment, the weight became unbearable.’ I exhausted every possible means to salvage my marriage.

Esther explained that her strong commitment to preserving her family stemmed from the fact that her parents divorced prior to her birth. Notably, Esther is one of Lucian Freud’s fourteen offspring, with Bernardine Coverley serving as her mother – a writer and gardener by profession.

‘I aspired for change in my approach, seeking a secure setting for my kids. There was a dreamy notion, which remains valid today, about overcoming challenges and making progress.’

Esther confessed that she had been harboring feelings of grief towards their relationship much earlier, even before David eventually left their house in London.

During that period, she mentioned that she took up various activities to keep herself occupied. This included learning to sing and play the piano, as well as participating in German language conversation sessions, which seemed oddly irrelevant. She was open to trying anything new that was accessible at the time.

In the midst of a heart-wrenching breakup, I found myself in the middle of a piano lesson as my world turned upside down – he was moving out that very day. Remarkably, amidst the whirlwind of emotions, I chose to maintain an air of composure and didn’t share my personal turmoil with my close friend, the piano teacher, despite our long-standing camaraderie.

Additionally, Esther shared that her strong desire for offspring significantly influenced, and at times skewed, the equilibrium within her marital relationship.

As a lifestyle guide, I’ll share my personal experience: My heart yearned profoundly for the joy of parenthood. This longing cast a significant shadow over my relationships, as they seemed secondary to this urgent desire. I found myself needing approval to pursue something I felt deeply compelled to do. There was an inherent imbalance in power dynamics, as my need often overshadowed the balance that should exist in these connections.

She stated: ‘I didn’t merely want a single child; I desired three. This realization had been with me since I was as young as three years old, and it has always held true for me. The moment I had the third child, my joy knew no bounds.’

After my divorce, a new version of myself emerged, and it’s fascinating to see the contrast. I often wonder if I could have remained this way all along, but I struggled with profound melancholy, and I believe that’s simply part of who I am.

Previously, David pointed out that the pair came from very different upbringings. He is the offspring of a cobbler in Liverpool and a woman who worked for Littlewoods, while Esther’s unconventional childhood served as inspiration for her successful novel Hideous Kinky, which was later made into a 1998 film starring Kate Winslet.

She is now in a relationship with Gerry Simpson, 62, a professor of law at LSE.

She expressed that her new partner didn’t need to fulfill any specific needs, but what she desired was that their interactions were engaging and enjoyable. Additionally, she appreciated being able to have meaningful conversations with him. She wasn’t aiming to be independent or unaffected by his absence for extended periods. Essentially, she felt like a different person in this relationship.

She found another means of healing in her regular practice of open-water swimming, which she attributes to helping her overcome her codependency. ‘I chose to swim every Sunday and Wednesday for an entire year, no matter the weather or conditions. If there was snow or ice to break, I did it anyway. I used to be quite codependent… But then, one day, I just started doing it. I’d say it played a significant role in my recovery.’

Despite the tough ending of her marriage with David, Esther firmly believes it was the best choice for them both. Now, he appears content, and their children seem unaffected. Moreover, she feels happier as well. It took courage to leave a relationship that wasn’t working, even after trying everything possible. She truly respects those who possess such strength and determination.

She maintains her faith in enduring love and is unyielding in this belief. Romance is something she holds dear, and she strongly believes that if someone can discover their soulmate, they should, even though it might be possible to find more than just one throughout a lifetime.

After parting ways in 2019, a source shared with TopMob: ‘It’s truly unfortunate, but they found it impossible to continue their relationship. Their primary focus now is ensuring the well-being of their three children.’

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2025-06-30 14:03

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