After the devastating loss of her fiancé, Eddie Rothe, to lung cancer in 2021, Jane McDonald found herself drowning in grief, struggling to face each day without the man she had loved for over a decade. The pain was unbearable, and Christmas, in particular, would bring waves of sadness. But, amidst the storm of heartache, Jane found an unexpected source of comfort – a lifelong friend, Sue Ravey, who has been by her side through thick and thin.
For those watching Jane on Celebrity Gogglebox, the two women appear to share a bond that goes beyond friendship – they are each other’s rock in a time of unimaginable loss. But what many might not know is the emotional journey behind their current living arrangement. In 2023, Sue made the decision to move in with Jane, offering not only her support but also her companionship during one of the darkest periods of Jane’s life.
As Jane confesses to OK! magazine, Sue’s presence has been nothing short of a lifeline. “It helped keep the grief at bay,” Jane reveals. “I tend to grieve in private. But you can’t always be sure when it’s going to strike. Your emotions can ambush you.” And that’s exactly what happened: the unpredictable waves of grief would hit, and Jane would often find herself overwhelmed by the memories of Eddie, the man she had planned to spend her life with.
But, instead of sinking into despair, Jane chose to embrace the love and comfort offered by her best friend. Sue, who had also experienced her own heartbreak after splitting from her fiancé, found solace in being there for Jane. Both women, in their shared pain, have been able to support each other through this difficult journey.
As Jane continues, “I do shed the occasional tear, especially at New Year. That’s when it hits me.” Yet, despite the overwhelming sadness that she feels, Jane refuses to be consumed by it. She believes that Eddie, as well as her late mother, Jean, would want her to move forward, not wallow in sorrow.
“I still talk to both of them in my head,” Jane says, her voice filled with emotion.
But the true heart of this story lies in the unconventional living arrangement that Jane and Sue now share. Jane, the renowned singer, and Sue, her loyal friend, have formed an unbreakable bond that not only helped them cope with the grief but also created a sense of normalcy in their lives. Jane jokes about their time together, saying, “We rub along well, although it helps that we’re both tidy. Plus, she puts the bins out!”
In addition to their shared love for cleanliness, Jane reveals that Sue is also the culinary mastermind behind their meals. “Sue’s the one with the pinny on most nights. She’s better at it – cheese on toast is my only speciality!” Jane admits, her words light-hearted but filled with a sense of comfort.
The two women, who have known each other since their early days performing in working men’s clubs, share more than just a home. They share a deep, unshakable bond that transcends loss, and in many ways, it has become their sanctuary. Jane openly admits, “We’re meat, two veg and gravy girls.” It’s the simple things that have helped them find joy amidst the pain, and it’s those small moments of connection that have made all the difference in their lives.
While the public sees Jane McDonald as the beloved TV personality and singer, the woman behind the smile has faced unimaginable pain. But through it all, her friendship with Sue has been a beacon of hope. Together, they have navigated the tumultuous waters of grief, finding strength in one another when everything else seemed uncertain.
