Warwick Davis has been pictured publicly with the mystery woman he affectionately calls “Sponge”, revealing that the pair have quietly been dating for over a year following the devastating death of his wife Samantha.
The Harry Potter star, 56, was seen with the brunette companion at several recent high-profile events — including the BAFTA Film Awards and an appearance at Windsor Castle — offering the first real glimpse into the private relationship that has helped him begin a new chapter after immense personal loss.
According to sources close to the actor, the couple have grown extremely close over the past year and are said to be happier than ever together.
A source told the Daily Mail that Warwick has been with his girlfriend for over a year now and they couldn’t be happier. The insider added that she has no interest in becoming a public figure and, although she occasionally accompanies Warwick to events, she avoids the spotlight. She is incredibly proud of him and enjoys being by his side but prefers to stand back and let him take centre stage.
The woman known only by the nickname “Sponge” was recently seen alongside Warwick’s daughter Annabelle, 28, and son Harrison, 23, when the actor received an OBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle for his services to drama and charity.
Observers noted that she appeared comfortable with the family and has reportedly built a warm relationship with Warwick’s children.
The same source said she is very close to his children and that they have created a lovely life together. According to those around the family, everyone simply wanted to see Warwick happy again — and they believe he has found that with his new partner.
The couple had also previously been spotted backstage together at a Madness concert at the Eden Project in Cornwall last July, where they were seen laughing and chatting together.
Warwick first hinted publicly at the relationship during an emotional speech at last year’s BAFTA ceremony when he received the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship.
While thanking those who had supported him through an incredibly difficult period, he gave a touching nod to the mysterious woman in his life, saying: “Special mention should go to Sponge, you know who you are. Thank you for showing me that life can still have meaning and for helping me to laugh and to love again.”
Later, during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, Warwick jokingly addressed curiosity about her identity. He said that, sticking with the Harry Potter theme, Sponge is indeed “She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.”
He added that she reminds him of Kerry Mucklowe, the character played by Daisy May Cooper in the comedy series This Country, explaining that some of the things she says — and even her accent — strongly remind him of the beloved sitcom character.
Warwick’s emotional BAFTA speech also included a heartfelt tribute to his late wife Samantha, who died in March 2024 at the age of 53.
Reflecting on her influence on his career, he said she always encouraged him to take opportunities and supported him throughout his life as an actor. He explained that acting can be a lonely career and that having a strong foundation at home makes all the difference.
Samantha’s death came after years of serious health struggles. An inquest later concluded that she died from arrhythmic cardiac arrest caused by complications following thoracic surgery.
She had previously battled sepsis in 2019 after undergoing spinal operations and had spent time in intensive care before making a remarkable recovery at the time.
The couple shared a long and deeply intertwined life together. They first met while filming the 1988 fantasy film Willow and married in 1991.
Together they welcomed two children, Annabelle and Harrison. The pair also tragically lost a baby son who died just nine days after birth — an experience Warwick once described as devastating and something no parent ever truly recovers from.
Following Samantha’s death, Warwick released an emotional tribute describing her as his favourite human and the most trusted supporter of everything he had done in his career. He said that with her by his side he had always felt capable of achieving anything, almost like having a superpower.
Today, those close to the actor say that while Samantha’s memory remains central to his life, the presence of “Sponge” has helped him slowly rediscover joy after a year marked by grief.
