Russell T Davies’ Powerful Tribute to His Late Husband

A Devastating Diagnosis

Screenwriter Russell T Davies has opened up about the devastating loss of his husband, Andrew Smith, to an aggressive brain tumour. In a recent interview on the On the Marie Curie Couch podcast, Davies shared the emotional journey of their eight-year battle against glioblastoma multiforme.

The couple, who had been together for two decades, married in 2012, just six years before Smith’s diagnosis. Davies, known for his work on Doctor Who and It’s a Sin, revealed that he was not present when Smith received the life-changing news, as they both believed it was just a routine hospital visit.

“He came home and said, ‘I’ve got cancer,’ but he couldn’t remember what type,” Davies recalled. It was only when Smith found a note in his bag a few days later that they learned the full extent of the diagnosis: glioblastoma multiforme, a malignant brain tumour.

A Remarkable Decision

Davies shared a surprising detail about Smith’s approach to his illness. When first diagnosed, Smith made the remarkable decision not to find out his prospects, a choice that caught Davies off guard.

“I know how bad it is, shouldn’t he know how bad it is?” Davies asked a nurse, who reassured him that as long as someone close to Smith was aware, it was acceptable for him to remain in the dark.

This decision, Davies believes, may have contributed to Smith’s resilience during his battle with cancer.

Defying Expectations

Initially given just 18 months to live, Smith defied the odds and lived for eight years. “It was amazing,” Davies said, reflecting on the additional time they had together.

Davies also expressed gratitude for the support of Marie Curie nurses during Smith’s final weeks. “It was like having a saint visiting the house,” he said.

The screenwriter’s powerful tribute to his late husband serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience that can emerge in the face of adversity.