Julie Graham, the TV and film star who is set to appear in , is mourning the loss of her husband Joseph Bennett. Joseph is reported to have taken his own life on 13 April.
News of his death has only just emerged and, according to , Joseph was found hanging from a tree in Richmond Park, London.
The 44-year-old, who was also an actor, lived with Julie, 49, and the couple's two children in Brighton.
Julie Graham's husband Joseph Bennett is said to have taken his own life
It is understood that the family have already held a private funeral for their loved one. Julie has not released a statement or made any kind of public comment, but is said to be "devastated" by her husband's unexpected death.
Scotland Yard confirmed that "a man in his mid-40s was pronounced dead at the scene" and that "a report has been submitted to the coroner's office". An inquest is expected to be held later.
Joseph was father to his and Julie's two daughters, 11-year-old Edie May and nine-year-old Cyd Betty, and had two other children from a previous relationship.
The actress (right) starring as Jean in
Joseph and Julie met while starring together in a play, in which they took on the roles of a brother and a sister. They married a year later in 2002 in a secret ceremony in front of just two witnesses.
At the time Julie said in an interview: "People had proposed to me before but I had always hesitated. But after eight months, he asked me to marry him and I said 'yes' immediately. I'm absolutely nuts about him. I've never felt like this about anyone before. This is the happiest I have ever been."
Julie Graham married Joseph Bennett after eight months of dating in 2002
The actress, who has featured in , , and among other series, also admitted that Joseph had changed her mind about having children.
"I always said motherhood wasn't for me. But then I met Joe," she said.
Last month it was announced that Julie would be joining the cast of ITV show as the matriarch of a new family. The TV network has declined to comment on reports about Joseph's death.
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