Anna Friel's Heartbreak: The Tale of a £30,000 Proposal and Heartless Breakup
EXCLUSIVE! Anna Friel Spills All on Her Cheating Ex and Heartbreak
Actress Anna Friel is opening up about her painful past, including the devastating breakup with her first love, Darren Day. The 49-year-old Brookside alum revealed she was left "distraught" after being dumped by the dashing actor in the midst of their three-year romance.
But that's not all - it gets juicier! Sources close to Anna claim she was utterly blind-sided when Darren swiftly moved on with none other than Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw, just two weeks after calling it quits with her. The ultimate betrayal? He even proposed to his new love with the SAME £30,000 engagement ring he had originally given to Anna!
Anna's heartbreak was so severe that she left behind an entire wardrobe, including a coveted Afghan coat from the iconic Kings Road, when she fled their shared home. "I remember years later calling to ask for my clothes back," she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion. "He'd ditched them all."
The actress, known for her sizzling on-screen presence and captivating smile, has long been tight-lipped about her personal life. But now, in an exclusive chat with The Sunday Times Style Magazine, Anna is dishing out the dirt on her tumultuous past.
Anna's romance with Darren began while she was starring as Beth Jordache in the hit Channel 4 soap Brookside back in 1994. At the time, she thought she had found her soulmate in the charming actor. But little did she know that her beau would soon be seen canoodling with another woman - all within a fortnight of their breakup!
Sources close to Anna claim Robbie Williams even tried to poach her from Darren's arms during their tumultuous relationship. "He phoned my house one day," Darren revealed in a 2016 Celebrity Big Brother interview, "and I picked it up, and this guy said, 'Hi, it's Derrick from Go Discs. Can I speak to Anna please?'"
Anna was reportedly left feeling uncomfortable by the unsolicited call, which Darren later confirmed was indeed made by none other than pop sensation Robbie Williams.
In a shocking twist, Anna went on to marry two more times - first to actor David Thewlis, with whom she shares a 20-year-old daughter Gracie, and then to Notting Hill star Rhys Ifans. However, both marriages ended in heartbreak.
As for Darren's love life? Well, he found love again with actress Stephanie Dooley but the couple eventually divorced after nine years of marriage.
Meanwhile, Anna's family has been her rock throughout the ups and downs of her career. Speaking to The Scholarly Note.com back in 2020, Anna gushed about her daughter Gracie's passion for music: "She doesn't want to be an actor," she confirmed. "Her dad's such a fine actor, but she's more into her music. Playing guitar is her escape."
Anna and Gracie have been globe-trotting together, making movies and TV shows, working on charity projects, and even visiting 10 countries in just three years! However, their adventures came to an abrupt halt during the pandemic when Gracie decided it was time for a break from traveling - at least, until she completes her school studies.
"Gracie said, 'That's our last year of travelling,'" Anna revealed. "She's doing an international baccalaureate and she just can't be moving schools." The actress admitted that this new chapter in their lives would mean she'd have to leave Gracie behind when she goes away on location shoots.
But one thing is certain: Anna Friel's past may be filled with heartbreak, but her future is looking brighter than ever. Stay tuned for more updates from this fascinating actress!