Warwick Davis breaks cover in first public appearance with daughter since wife's death

By Michelle Marshall, Senior Showbiz Reporter

Monday's red carpet appearance marked the first time Warwick Davis had attended a public event since his wife's death (Image: Getty)

Warwick Davis, the renowned Star Wars and Willow actor, made a heartfelt return to the spotlight as he graced the red carpet at the Pride of Britain Awards in London, following the tragic announcement of his beloved wife Samantha's passing earlier this year. The 54 year old Hollywood mainstay was joined by his daughter Annabel, the 29 year old Hollyoaks actress, for the prestigious event on Monday evening.

The Harry Potter star cut a dashing figure in a velvet blazer, managing a smile for the cameras while Annabel looked effortlessly stylish in a black outfit with a check brown coat.

This poignant outing represents Warwick's first public appearance since the devastating news of Samantha's death was shared. Samantha, Warwick's wife of 33 years, died on March 24, leaving an immense void in the family.

Their love story began in their teenage years, blossoming into a marriage that saw them welcome two children and share a passion for performing arts. Warwick expressed his sorrow, saying: "Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family. 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."

Harrison and Annabelle, the couple's children, also honoured their mother, reflecting on how "her love and happiness carried us through our whole lives".

Annabelle Davis and Warwick Davis attend The Pride of Britain Awards 2024 (Image: Getty)

They expressed: "Mum is our best friend and we're honoured to have received a love like hers."

Samantha, much like her renowned husband Warwick and their daughter, was a talented actress with credits including the 1989 children's series 'Through the Dragon's Eye'. She even graced the screen alongside Warwick in 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' in 2010.

Warwick Davis paid tribute to his wife's influence on his career during an interview with the BBC, saying: "With her by my side, I was sure I could achieve anything, it was like having a super-power. Without Sammy, there would have been no Tenable quiz show, no Willow series. No Idiot Abroad Series 3."

Warwick Davis and daughter Annabel came dressed to impress at this year's Pride of Britain Awards (Image: Getty)

The couple faced numerous challenges together, including the heart-wrenching loss of their son Lloyd, who passed away just nine days after birth in 1991, and the subsequent loss of their unborn son George at 20 weeks in 1993.

After enduring two more miscarriages, Samantha bravely persevered until the safe arrival of their children Annabelle and George.

In addition to these personal trials, Samantha also battled health issues related to her achondroplasia, which necessitated multiple surgeries, and she faced further complications from a compression surgery on her spine.

After undergoing a procedure in 2019, Samantha developed life-threatening sepsis and was on the brink of death when her immune system started attacking itself. Thanks to the quick response from medical professionals, they managed to treat the infection, potentially saving her from limb loss.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock (13642880ad)Harrison Davis, Samantha Davis, English actor Warwick Davis and English actor Annabelle Davis attend the premiere of the television series 'Willow' at the Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles, California, USA, 29 November 2022.Premiere of the series 'Willow' in Los Angeles, USA - 29 Nov 2022 (Image: CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Despite her health struggles, Samantha remained a devoted wife and mother, radiating positivity. Her fans often praised her ability to 'light up a room'.

Regrettably, it was revealed in April 2024 that she had died the previous month.