Dame Sheila Hancock, 92, admits she still talks to her late husband Inspector Morse star John Thaw – as she says loneliness is ‘terribly difficult to deal with’

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Actress Sheila Hancock confessed that she continues to converse with her deceased spouse, John Thaw, when she feels lonely.

As a devoted admirer, I mourn the loss of the remarkable actor who portrayed Inspector Morse, who departed from us in 2002 at the age of 60, following a battle with oesophageal cancer. Yet, even beyond the confines of life, his enduring presence continues to offer solace and strength to his beloved widow, now in her 92nd year.

Sheila, who spent 28 years married to Thaw, shared that, despite having numerous friends and relatives who provide her with much-needed solace, eventually, they all return home.

In an article for Prospect magazine, she expressed her deep sorrow, stating that she had lost someone irreplaceable, a confidant with whom she could bare it all – flaws included. Now, who will comfort her in times of distress or bring laughter into her life?

As a dedicated devotee, I find myself still conversing with my dearly departed spouse, often when tuning into Channel 4’s nightly news broadcast. Back then, we used to engage in passionate debates over the antics of politicians and the general foolishness of humanity. However, over the years, our imaginary dialogues have faded a bit, much like an old photograph slowly losing its vibrancy.

The Sixth Commandment actress said that her loneliness was ‘terribly difficult to deal with’.

She mentioned: ‘Waking up can sometimes bring on a feeling of being swamped by depression, facing another lonely day. It seems simplest to just roll over and stay in bed, but when you feel least like it, making an effort to rise and be active is important, or you might sink further into the morass.’

Instead of her local supermarket only having one human cashier while the self-checkout machines remain unused, Sheila has noticed an increasing line of customers.

It seems some individuals might be waiting solely to engage in brief conversations. Regrettably, it appears that human checkout stations may eventually vanish entirely.

She acknowledged that she’d considered purchasing a cat as companionship, but held back due to worries that the cat might live longer than her.

As a seasoned lifestyle guide, I’d candidly share my personal reflections on Dame Sheila’s narrative. In 2021, she was honored with the title of damehood, yet her journey wasn’t without its stormy chapters. Her late husband, Thaw, battled with depression and alcoholism, a struggle that significantly influenced their marital relationship, casting it into turbulent waters.

She explained, ‘It was a passionate, consuming affection,’ she said. ‘Growing up, I was surrounded by unpredictability as both my father and my first spouse were heavy drinkers. Over time, I came to realize that I have a preference for chaos and risk.’

‘John’s temperament was unpredictable. He could be remarkably charming one moment, and then incredibly disagreeable the next.’

As a die-hard fan, I’d say, “When Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Wagner got together in the ’70s, both of them already had lovely daughters – Abigail from her side and Melanie from his. Then came their own bundle of joy, Joanna, in 1974.

Spanning over seven decades, Sheila’s career encompasses notable roles such as Carry On Cleo, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and Edie.

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2025-09-08 19:18