My Mum Your Dad's widower Roger's heartbreak as he says dead wife 'was my life'

26 September 2023 , 10:32

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Roger's wife passed away 18 months ago

My Mum, Your Dad's widower Roger Hawes has described his heartbreak as he said his late wife was his "life".

He managed to win the hearts of the nation as he opened up about his wife Joanna passing away from cancer 18 months ago. The 58-year-old told his fellow contestants the story of losing his wife and that she went to sleep one night and never woke up again.

Appearing on the show, which was hosted by Davina McCall, was the first time Roger had been on a date in 34 years. He said his wife was his "wonder woman".

Roger and Janey found a connection (ITV)

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he explained that his wife Joanna "headhunted him" talked about how the two first met. The pair tied the knot back in 1992 and went on to have three children together and had a 34-year relationship until she passed away 18 months ago.

Talking about having his heart broken, Roger said: "She taught me how to love and she wasn't just a big part of my life, she WAS my life. Nothing I say or do in the show would shock her. She'd probably know what I was going to say, even who I was going to pick. She'd probably be laughing at us."

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He then went on to say that his children had been helping him since his wife died. He said that Joanna used to do "it all" when it came to things around the house, meaning he was left a "useless husband".

Roger added: "Around the house she sorted it all – the car insurance, house insurance. I was one of those useless husbands who let their wives do everything. She was Wonder Woman. She often told me that, but she was."

On My Mum, Your Dad, Roger went on to have a connection with fellow single parent Janey. Since the series came to an end they have confirmed that their blossoming romance is still going strong. Despite living at opposite ends of the country, they said they have managed to see each other every weekend since the show ended, with Roger saying he doesn't mind doing the drive.

Charlotte Everett