Inside Tony Slattery’s doting relationship with ‘rock’ Mark Hutchinson who ‘kept BBC comedian alive’ before tragic death

TONY Slattery once credited his doting partner with keeping him "alive" before his tragic death - gushing over his "rock" of 40 years.

The comedian was with actor Mark Michael Hutchinson for almost 40 years, and Tony claimed 'Marky' kept him alive through his battles with addiction and depression.

Tony struggled for years with his addiction to cocaine and alcohol as well as a battle with bipolar disorder.

In 2019, the late comedian said Mark is "supportive, authentic and real", adding that he "means everything to me."

But Mark admitted to struggling at times when it came to caring for Tony.

Mark said: "I've run away a couples times, I'd go away for a couple of weeks.

"It's tiring caring for someone, loving someone who is constantly on the edge. 

"I don't know where the alcohol stops and where the depression starts.

"You don't know what to prioritise or treat first: is it because of the alcohol or is it depression."

But he then added that he would always return because he couldn't stand to be away from Tony for too long.

Tony often credited Mark with keeping him alive through his battles.

Tony recalled: "I met him in a musical, Me and My Girl, we were both very shy and didn't speak to each for six months.

"Our eyes lingered just a bit too long [on one occasion] - without him I'd be dead no question about that!"

Speaking to The Mirror in 2019, the comedian added: 'I’ve been with Marky for 32 years. Oh god, it’s still going well.

"Damn him, he’s two months older than I am but looks half my age."

The actor further recalled: "I once said to Mark, "I would leap in front of a flying bullet for you," and he replied, "That’s lovely, Tony, but no one is shooting at me. Would you mind doing the dishes instead?""

Tony and Mark met when they starred on a West End stage together in 1986 in London.

A TRAGIC LOSS

A statement on behalf of his partner Mark Michael Hutchinson said: "It is with great sadness we must announce actor and comedian Tony Slattery, aged 65, has passed away today, Tuesday morning, following a heart attack on Sunday evening."

In his last social media post, Tony shared a heartwarming video with his fans on Instagram while wearing a festive red and green tinsel scarf.

He said: "Hello everyone who is watching this, Tony Slattery here.

"President of the Rambling Club. We have had a wonderful year and it's thanks to you, the listeners and also the Patreon people who keep us going.

"We are growing exponentially and we love doing it. This is just to say thank you and Merry Christmas.

"Oh and the guests we've had on. We've had on Hacker the dog, which was hilarious, Julian Carey from who I have borrowed this [referring to his tinsel].

"He is in panto but spared it for me. We have got lots of really interesting guests lined up but we will keep that secret for now."

He added: "Quality guests, that's what we offer. We offer existential conversations and good humour.

"This is just to say to you all a big thank you, we love the fact that you are listening to us and we are helping to bring peace and love to the world.

"And humour, god knows we need it more than ever. Have a very Merry Christmas and a really healthy, happy new year."

Born November 9, 1959, Slattery was the contemporary of Dame Emma Thompson, Sir Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie at the University of Cambridge.

He was the former president of the improvisation group Cambridge Footlights.

His old friend Sir Stephen led the tributes to Tony today, saying: "A cruel irony that fate should snatch him from us just as he had really begun to emerge from his lifelong battle with so many dark demons."

Tony had appeared on the Channel 4 comedy improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and comedy shows Just A Minute and Have I Got News For You.