Heartbeat star Tricia Penrose has officially tied the knot once again after marrying her partner Chris Hargreaves in a romantic Lancashire ceremony — four years after splitting from the father of her two children.
The actress, 56, looked radiant as she exchanged vows at Briars Hall Country House Hotel on Saturday, sharing a series of loved-up wedding snaps online afterwards. Alongside the photos, Tricia proudly declared that she had “married the love of my life yesterday,” leaving fans emotional over her second chance at happiness.
Best known for playing beloved barmaid Gina Bellamy on ITV’s Heartbeat between 1993 and 2010, Tricia stunned in a glamorous white lace bridal gown featuring a Bardot neckline, fitted bodice and dramatic princess-style skirt. She completed the elegant bridal look with a flowing veil, while groom Chris opted for a pale green suit paired with a crisp white shirt and dark tie.
Fans immediately flooded the comments with heartfelt messages and cheeky nods to her iconic TV role. One joked: “Did you say yes in a Heartbeat?” while others wrote: “You look amazing,” and “Wishing you both many happy years together.”
The wedding also marked a major new chapter in Tricia’s life after the breakdown of her 18-year marriage to ex-husband Mark Simpkin. The former couple — who share sons Jake, 22, and Freddy, 17 — announced their split in 2021 after reportedly growing apart.
At the time, a source explained: “They decided to go their separate ways after realising they had grown apart and it would be better for everyone that they ended the marriage.”
Tricia and Mark had once appeared inseparable. They married in 2003 following a picturesque Cheshire wedding and even renewed their vows a decade later in 2013 to celebrate ten years together. Back then, the actress described the ceremony as a “celebration” of their marriage.
Mark had previously spoken glowingly about their relationship, saying in a 2015 interview: “I know this sounds really tacky, but as well as Tricia being my wife, she’s also my best friend. We don’t fall out; we work well as a team.”
But after the marriage ended, Tricia found love again with Chris, with the pair going Instagram official later in 2021. Their romance quickly blossomed, and last summer Chris proposed during a sun-soaked holiday in Tenerife.
Away from acting, Tricia has since built a successful career in radio and now works with Radio Wirral. However, she still proudly celebrates her Heartbeat legacy, with her Instagram bio continuing to reference her unforgettable 18-year stint as Gina in the much-loved ITV drama.
