In March 2024, TV favourite Warwick Davis shared devastating news that sent shockwaves through fans — the death of his beloved wife, Samantha, known affectionately as Sammy.
The couple had been married for 32 years, sharing a life built on love, resilience and humour. Together, they raised two children — and together, they also faced grief few could imagine, losing two babies during their marriage.
As Warwick prepares to return to the spotlight this weekend to present an award at the BAFTA Film Awards (February 22), we look back at the extraordinary love story that defined his life — and the heartbreaking losses that shaped it.
A love story that began on set
Warwick, now 56, married Samantha in 1991 after the pair met on the set of the 1988 fantasy film Willow. While Warwick starred in the title role, Sammy and her father appeared as extras, playing Nelwyn villagers.
Sammy was the daughter of Warwick’s business partner, Peter Burroughs, and what began as a working connection soon blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Three years later, they tied the knot — beginning a marriage that would endure both joy and tragedy.
Two children — and two devastating losses
Warwick and Sammy went on to welcome two children together: daughter Annabelle, now an actress, and son Harrison.
Warwick and both children share a rare form of dwarfism caused by spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED). Sammy, meanwhile, had achondroplasia.
But before Annabelle and Harrison were born, the couple experienced unimaginable heartbreak.
Their first two children, sons Lloyd and George, died shortly after birth due to a fatal combination of their parents’ conditions.
Opening up on Bear’s Mission with Bear Grylls, Warwick spoke candidly about the pain.
“Prior to Annabelle and Harrison we had a baby boy, Lloyd, who inherited both our conditions,” he said. “That combination proves fatal. A baby won’t survive. Lloyd lived for nine days. He was beautiful… but it was a tough time. And we had a stillborn too.”
‘It hit us like a train’
In 2014, Sammy herself spoke to the Daily Mail about losing Lloyd — describing a moment that would stay with her forever.
“When they wanted to turn the machine off I said: ‘No, no, no,’” she recalled. “But they said: ‘We’ll give him to you and he will go to sleep in your arms.’ And he did.”
Reflecting on those nine days, Sammy added: “I’m so glad he didn’t die on the machine. We gave him everything we could. At Lloyd’s funeral I was proud. I was his mum. I had the best nine days ever.”
Though the pain was overwhelming, she said the loss ultimately strengthened them.
“It could easily have broken us, but it didn’t. If anything, we became stronger as a couple.”
Years later, the couple tried again — but heartbreak struck once more when baby George was stillborn at 19 weeks.
‘A huge hole in our lives’
Warwick announced Sammy’s death in a statement to the BBC on April 17, 2024, confirming she had passed away on March 24.
“Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family,” he said. “I miss her hugs. She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life. She had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes.”
Her cause of death has not been publicly revealed.
Just months earlier, in October 2023, Warwick had shared what would become their final photo together — smiling during a quiet date night.
Finding meaning — and love — again
Last year, Warwick was honoured with the Fellowship Award at the BAFTAs, recognising his outstanding contribution to film and television.
During an emotional acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to Sammy.
“Above all, I would like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy, who died almost a year ago,” he told the audience. “She was always so supportive of my career and encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.”
He admitted life had been “pretty tough” since her death, but credited his children Annabelle and Harrison for helping him keep going.
Then, in a moment that stunned the room, Warwick revealed that someone new had helped him find joy again — a mystery person he called only “Sponge”.
“Special mention should go to Sponge,” he said, fighting back tears. “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.”
Warwick Davis will appear at the BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, February 22, airing on BBC One at 7pm.
Source:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
