James Morrison debuts new romance 18 months after wife's tragic death

James Morrison has seemingly started dating again, 18 months after his wife, Gill Catchpole, died by suicide.

The singer and his late wife shared two daughters and she was found dead aged 45 in their Gloucestershire home in January 2024. Morrison, who found his wife after a friend struggled to gain access to the property, said losing his wife left him feeling "completely heartbroken".

But, after what he has called the hardest period of his life, the Broken Strings singer seems to have found happiness again with travel influencer Mariel Jones.

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Jones has posted several photos of herself and Morrison on her Instagram, including pics from holidays in Rome, Sicily and Copenhagen. In one picture from July, the two are seen kissing in Italy. Friends of the influencer have commented "cuties" under her posts.

This seems to be a new start for the singer, who was with Catchpole for more than two decades. Speaking on the White Wine Question Time podcast, Morrison said their relationship was like a "fairy tale", as he was a lodger in her mother's house.

"It wasn’t the easiest start,” he admitted, “but I still see it as really romantic… the fact that we met each other the way we did. It’s like a little fairy tale.”

Just hours before Catchpole died, Morrison shared a message on Instagram of himself in a recording studio. He captioned the post: "New year, new adventure..." The post hinted that new music was on the way, but after Catchpole's death, he cancelled all work commitments.

In a written statement, GP Dr Emma Basker said Ms Catchpole was suffering from "reoccuring mental ill-health", including anxiety and PTSD. She had received medication and counselling.

Since her death, Morrison has spoken about focusing on family to cope with grief. When he started performing again, he said that gave him a new sense of purpose.

His album from 2019, You're Stronger Than You Know, was dedicated to his wife after she showed strength during her difficult pregnancy with their second child, Ada Rose.

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

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