Damian Lewis has shared a moving tribute to his late wife Helen McRoy on Good Morning Britain. The acclaimed actress passed away from cancer in April 2021 aged 52.
Speaking to Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard ahead of Soccer Aid on the weekend, Damien called his late wife a "fabulous human being," who is "much, much missed". He also recalled the sweet gesture she made for him the first time he played in Soccer Aid.
The GMB interview aired ahead of the charity football match which takes place for Unicef on Sunday, 12 June. Presenter Ben said: "The first time I met you and your lovely wife Helen away from work was at Soccer Aid many years ago in Manchester and you were there with the family and the kids. She was always such a vociferous supporter of you and everything you did.
"Kate and I were very honoured to be at her memorial service just a few weeks ago. I’d imagine you’ve been very moved by the outpouring of love and support that has been shown towards her since she sadly passed away.”
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Damian replied: "Well, She was a fabulous human being and people from all walks of life have been in touch to say what an impact she had on their lives! That day we had a few weeks ago was a very special day, I’m very glad you could have been part of it and she was celebrated by her tribe, her profession, the acting profession - actors, directors, producers, writers all showed up and she’s much, much missed."
Damian also spoke about just how big a support his late wife and Peaky Blinders star Helen was, explaining: "When she came to Soccer Aid the very first time, I’d gone into my hotel room at The Lowry in Manchester and it was covered in Union Jack bunting and England flags everywhere which she’d gone out and bought and decorated the room with. So, she’s with us. She’s with us again this year."
Kate added: "As you say, she touched so many people’s lives that we all feel the loss that obviously you live with every day, a little fraction of it anyway."
Damian has been a regular at the annual fundraising match for Unicef, playing for England. However, the star admitted he always feels conflicted as he's half Welsh. He told Kate and Ben: I'm actually always conflicted when I come out at Soccer Aid as I'm half Welsh and every year I think 'should I ask to play for the Rest of the World? but then I think 'well you can't play for England one year and then play for Rest of the World the other year."
"But especially with Wales coming through brilliantly at the weekend," he added, before Kate then pleaded: "Don't jump ship now! They're already doing well enough, we need you."
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