💔 Warwick Davis has found love again. The beloved actor, known for his iconic roles in Harry Potter and Willow, has been pictured with his mystery girlfriend, affectionately nicknamed ‘Sponge’, after a heartbreaking year following the death of his wife, Samantha Davis.
The 56-year-old actor, who has been publicly grieving the loss of his wife since her passing in 2024, has opened up about how this special woman helped him rebuild his life and regain joy after Samantha’s tragic death from complications following a cardiac arrest.
The couple was recently spotted together at the BAFTA Awards, where Warwick Davis made a poignant tribute to her during his BAFTA Fellowship acceptance speech, thanking her for helping him “find love again.” A source close to the couple shared that they have been together for over a year and are said to be “happier than ever.”
Warwick has been spotted with Sponge at several events, including a Madness concert last July, and at Windsor Castle earlier this week when he was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to drama and charity. His children, Annabelle (28) and Harrison (23), were by his side, and Sponge was seen accompanying them with loving support.
Warwick’s Tribute to ‘Sponge’
In his acceptance speech at the BAFTA Awards, Warwick gave a heartfelt shoutout to his girlfriend, 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.”
When asked about the identity of Sponge, Warwick humorously remarked on The Jonathan Ross Show:
“I can reveal, sticking with the Harry Potter theme, Sponge is indeed She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.”
He continued, referencing Daisy May Cooper’s character Kerry Mucklowe from This Country, adding: “Sponge very much reminds me of Kerry. Some of the things she says and her accent.”
Despite the humor, Warwick’s admiration for her shines through. Sponge, who has been described as a private individual, reportedly has no interest in the limelight. She is supportive of Warwick’s public career but prefers to stay out of the spotlight. A source revealed:
“She has no interest in being a public figure and – although she has accompanied Warwick to events – she does not court the limelight. She is proud of Warwick and loves to be by his side, but she will stand back and allow him to be in the spotlight.”
The couple’s bond appears to be solid, and they’ve become increasingly close with Warwick’s children, with Sponge regularly joining them at family events. A source added: “She is close with his children and they have a lovely life together. All anyone wanted was to see Warwick happy, and he has that with his girlfriend.”
Warwick’s Emotional Tribute to Samantha
While he has found happiness again, Warwick has been candid about how difficult the last year has been. During his BAFTA Fellowship acceptance speech, he emotionally paid tribute to his late wife, Samantha. He said:
“I would like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife, Sammy, who died almost a year ago. She was always so supportive of my career and encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.”
The couple had been through much together, including the tragic loss of their third child, who passed away nine days after birth, and Samantha’s health battles with sepsis and spinal complications.
Samantha’s Heartbreaking Death
Samantha, an actress like Warwick, passed away in March 2024 at University College Hospital in London due to arrhythmic cardiac arrest following complications from surgeries she had endured. Warwick, who had always been by her side, said in a statement after her death: “Samantha was my most trusted confidant and an ardent supporter of everything I did in my career. Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives.”
Warwick, whose own health condition (a form of dwarfism) had mirrored his wife’s, described her as his “superpower,” noting how she always encouraged him and supported him through difficult times. He said, “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.”
The couple had co-founded Little People UK, a charity dedicated to supporting people with dwarfism, and Samantha’s Helping Hands Fund continues her legacy by supporting young people in the dwarfism community. Warwick’s tribute to his wife at Windsor Castle was emotional, with his children visibly moved as he thanked them for their constant support.
The Future
As Warwick embarks on this new chapter with Sponge, fans are left wondering how this new love story will unfold. Despite the pain of losing Samantha, it’s clear that Warwick Davis is determined to find happiness again with his new partner, who has been a rock for him in the aftermath of his loss.
