EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin 'SPLITS from husband Richard Taggart'

EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin ‘SPLITS from her husband Richard Taggart’ after 17 years of marriage and two children: ‘It’s been rough for them both in recent months’

EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin has reportedly separated from her businessman husband of 17 years of Richard Taggart.

The soap actress, 53, and her partner, who share two children, have split with insiders citing that their relationship had ultimately ‘run its course’.

The couple share two daughters Bessie, 16, and Rosie, 12, and are apparently making their children their number one priority in the break-up.

A source told The Sun: ‘Lucy and Richard tried to make it work but ultimately decided it was best they split up.

‘It’s been rough for them both in recent months but hopefully they can now start looking forward to the future.

Separated: EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin has reportedly separated from her businessman husband of 17 years of Richard Taggart

Split: The soap actress, 53, and her partner, who share two children, have split with insiders citing that their relationship had ultimately ‘run its course’ (pictured in EastEnders in 2023)

‘Their children will always be their number one priority.’

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Lucy and Richard met on a flight to Dubai and they sparked a conversation when he introduced himself to her, after recognising her from television. 

Detailing their first meeting, Lucy previously said: ‘He was sat next to me and while I was reading a book, he tapped me on the shoulder and said, “This must be strange for you because I know a lot about you and you don’t know anything about me, but my name’s Richard and I’m going to Dubai”.

‘Fortunately, I found it very funny and we didn’t stop chatting. We were engaged within six weeks — and married within nine months.’

Lucy was seven weeks pregnant with their first child when they tied the knot, saying: ‘I was a bit pushy but you’ve got to get on with it.’

Lucy’s ex-boyfriend’s include her former co-star Steve McFadden, whose character she shot during her soap exit in 2003 after playing the character for four years. 

Lucy returned to EastEnders as Lisa Fowler more than 20 years after her character shot Phil.

Married: The couple share two daughters Bessie, 16, and Rosie, 12, and are apparently making their children their number one priority in the break-up

Soap star Lisa was last on the BBC soap for a short time four years ago when she fell pregnant by Keanu, with Lisa’s ex Phil discovering Keanu was also having an affair with his wife Sharon (Letitia Dean) at the time.

In 2019, during Lisa’s brief return, her character Lisa helped her daughter flee Albert Square for Portugal after she became convinced she was responsible for Keanu’s murder.

However, while Keanu did not die, it was actually Phil to tried to see him off after Keanu got both his wife and daughter pregnant.

Lisa and Louise had since been living with Phil’s granddaughter Peggy in the Portuguese sun and Louise has remained unaware Keanu is actually alive.

During a break from the show, Lucy appeared in the 2009 series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, but was the first to be voted out.  

She has also had roles in Casualty, Holby City and New Tricks.

In character: Lucy’s ex-boyfriend’s include her former co-star Steve McFadden, whose character she shot during her soap exit in 2003 after playing the character for four years

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