Downton star heartbroken after husband’s sudden death
DOWNTON star Lesley Nicol has been “devastated” by the sudden death of her husband. David Heald had been due to join the actress – cook Beryl Patmore in the period drama – yesterday in the US where she is performing a solo show. Spiritual healer David, 68, was at their London home. He wrote online on April 26 that he had tested positive for Covid in a fit-to-fly test, adding: “Now going on May 4. I caught it when I had the spring booster shot!” It is not yet known if coronavirus played a part in his death. The minimum age for a spring Covid booster jab is 75 but people with some conditions or a weakened immune system are also eligible. Lesley, 68, was said to be “overwhelmed with grief”. Her agent Paul Pearson confirmed the death of her “beloved husband”, who was known professionally as Da’aboth Te’He’Ling: “Da’aboth was an amazing, unique and inspirational man who was always at Lesley’s side, her warrior. Lesley would like to thank everyone for their loving and kind messages.” It is thought she is debating whether to continue her off-Broadway show How The Hell Did I Get Here? which was due to run until May 22.
Lesley was also enjoying the success of recent film sequel Downton Abbey: A New Era.
The couple – married for 15 years – had been popular in Los Angeles charity circles, helping to raise millions of pounds, but returned to London before the pandemic.
David was said to be “happy to sit back and let Lesley enjoy the limelight, but was always there as a support”. A friend said: “When you think of Lesley, there was always David with her. They were deeply in love. It is so sad that this should happen...given her dream of a one-woman show has become a reality.
“David always backed that project emotionally and was so happy she finally did it with such great aplomb.”
Speaking about their relationship, Lesley once said: “It’s a good partnership. I met him through a friend and we just hit it off. He is a martial artist and he does lots of spiritual stuff like reiki.”
‘I met him through a friend and we just hit it off. He is a martial artist and does lots of spiritual stuff’
Always at her side...David Heald and Lesley Nicol