05 May 2024 , 18:55
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Sherlock's Amanda Abbington candidly revealed why her 16-year marriage to co-star Martin Freeman ended.
The celebs, who raised two teenagers together: Joe and Grace, parted ways in 2016 whilst still filming the acclaimed detective series. Despite the split, Abbington says the duo still get on 'really well' and both 'admire each other as actors - referring to him as a 'great guy'. Freeman has since left his sidekick duties and gone onto lead in the highly-acclaimed crime drama The Responder. The second series returns to screens tonight (May 5) after a two-year hiatus, where he will reprise his role of night-shift officer Chris Carson.
The couple have also both moved on romantically and fallen in love with other people. Abbington, who quit Strictly Come Dancing last year due to 'medical reasons' is engaged to Jonathan Goodwin - who was paralysed months after they started dating in a TV stunt back in 2021. Meanwhile, Freeman is dating French actress Rachel Mariam, best known for her roles in Normal People and This Way Up.
Despite their successful second attempt at romance, Abbington said she was left a 'mess' after the breakup.
Amanda is now with Jonathan Goodwin (jonathangoodwinofficial/Instagram)Speaking to the Sunday Times Magazine, Abbington said: "When we broke up nobody knew, we didn't tell anybody except for a few key people because they had to know, because of the logistics of hotels and stuff. It took six months for it to get out and a lot of that was while we were working on Sherlock... We were professional and we were going to get on and make a show and be civil to each other."
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The star added the relationship ultimately ended as the couple 'just couldn't live with each other any more'. But that doesn't mean parting ways was easy. In an interview on James O'Brien's Full Disclosure podcast, the mum-of-two said she was left 'hating herself' and even contemplated suicide.
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"It was breaking up with Martin and then realising I needed to sort myself out because I was a bit of a mess. I hated myself," she said, explaining how when things got difficult she'd resort to the mantra 'you could always kill yourself'.
"That was a genuine option for me, quite a few times in my life," she added. "Then I don't have to be this bad person because I don't have to be here anymore." Luckily, Abbington's mental health improved and she started therapy and working through her trauma.
If you or someone you love is feeling suicidal, you're not alone. You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day.