Heartbroken Robson vicar ‘is a shadow of himself’ Rev given time off ‘to heal’ after split

SUNDAY MIRROR

A VICAR who lost his wife to TV star Robson Green is so broken-hearted he’s been given time off by the church.

Rev Geoffrey Short has cut himself off from his flock as he tries to rebuild his life.

And worried parishioners say he has become “a shadow of himself ” since his Filipino wife of 16 years Zoila, 43, left him to move in with Soldier Soldier star Green, 51, in April.

Now a message on the notice board outside his vicarage declares him “off duty” and his contact number has been covered with masking tape.

His congregation has been told the devastated dad-of-two will not be back before August.

Many blame Granchester actor Green for the bombshell split that blew Rev Short’s world apart. One parishioner said: “We couldn’t have wished for a lovelier vicar with a nicer family. He and Zoila and their sons appeared content.

“This business with Robson Green came as a huge, huge shock, so what it must have done to Geoff, we can only wonder. He hasn’t been at the vicarage very much and spends his time away from here. He struggled on for a while after Zoila left but he’s been a shadow of himself, which is hardly surprising.

“I think he’s found the whole thing devastating but no one has really had the chance to talk to him. He needs time by himself to try to heal and we are praying for him, for his family and for his swift return.” For four years, Rev Short, 57, and Zoila, the mum of his two sons, shared the quaint vicarage in the North Tyneside village of Wideopen. Zoila taught in the Sunday School and helped with fundraising events. But earlier this year she sat him down in the kitchen and confessed: “I’m leaving you for Robson Green.” She had met the twice-married star at a gym. It is understood Zoila moved in with the actor at his Northumberland home just weeks after they met.

ANGER

Speaking in April, Rev Short said: “Of course there is a lot of anger towards Green, but as a Christian I have to forgive. It’s made me question my faith, but I’ve got to stay strong.” The vicar had to endure the response of his ex-wife Helen, 58, who claimed he walked out on her in the Nineties. She said: “What goes around comes around.” Members of Rev Short’s flock at St Columba’s Church are being directed to team rector Rev Michelle Dalliston. She said: “He is taking time out and trying to get well. It has not been a very easy situation for him or for anyone. Geoff is not in the best place and he needs some time and space to deal with things.” A Church of England spokesman said Rev Short had “agreed to step back” from his duties while they looked into “certain claims” about his conduct.