Stephen Graham's romance with his now-wife Hannah Walters got off to a slow start.

The Adolescence star, 51, enjoyed many years of friendship with Hannah before declared his true feelings for her. The two met in the 1990s at drama school and quickly formed a relationship built on trust and support, with Hannah helping Stephen recover from a tough patch in his life.

But realised he might lose her. Hannah had returned to the UK after living in Spain for a while, and had revealed plans about a permanent move out there. Struggling with the thought of potentially Stephen confessed his love for her in a scene fit for the movies.

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During a 2019 episode of Stephen reflected on how he hadn't initially realised what it was he wanted as a young twentysomething in love, but Hannah's upcoming move to Spain forced him to see things clearly. Stephen recalled: "She went to Spain for a little bit and I couldn't see her, and she was going to move out there. She came back and we hadn't been on a date in these five years, six years, just talking lots. And I said 'can I take you on a date?'

"She went 'what?' And we went to see Saving Private Ryan, had a bite to eat in Greenwich and we were at New Cross train station and I said 'please don't go to Spain'. "She asked 'why?' and I said 'Well, I love you.' She said she'd been waiting five years for me to say that. And the next day we moved in together. And we've been together ever since."

In the same interview, Stephen, who is based in Leicestershire, went on to explain how Hannah had been there for him following his suicide attempt, supporting him and his family during a very dark period. Stephen explained: "I had a breakdown. Going to that big London to do it on your own. Then I went back home. [My parents] were trying to see what was happening with me. I'll never forget the tears coming down both their faces.

"Then the next day I tried to hang myself. It was very calculated. I kicked the chair and I heard my Nana's voice. She shouted, 'Stephen' and I thought I'd gone. I just came to, opened my eyes and the rope had snapped. Thankfully. This is kind of where Hannah came into my life properly. She knew what had happened. She was always in close contact with my mum."

The close friends turned partners tied the knot in June 2008, and have two children, Grace and Alfie. They've also acted alongside each other a number of times, in This is England, Pirates of the Caribbean, Boiling Point, and prison drama Time.

If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email or visit their site to find your local branch

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