TRAGIC STAR’S
LYNDA Bellingham’s widower has found love again – with a woman who also lost her partner to cancer.
And as Michael Pattemore tries to move on after grieving for two years, he has hit back at criticism from Lynda’s sons and calls his new love a “tonic”.
Michael, introduced to Pam, 54, by a mutual friend last Christmas, says: “She’s a lovely person, full of sunshine and happiness. She never seems to be down.
“That’s been such a tonic for me. We have lots of laughs together.”
Office manager Pam was widowed six years ago after a 15-year relationship. Her first marriage ended in divorce.
Michael, 61, who was Lynda’s third husband, adds: “Pam’s a very attractive lady. She works in Staffordshire.
“As I live in Somerset, we usually only see each other at weekends.
“I’d describe ours as a developing relationship. Life’s taught me that you never know what’s round the next corner.”
Pam said: “Because we have been through the same situation, we have really supported each other and that’s been really important.
“Someone wonderful has died and I respect that and I want Michael to be able to grieve for her and remember her while we are there for one another.”
Every fortnight Michael pays for a posy to be laid at the grave of actress Lynda. Former Loose Women panellist Lynda – much loved as mum of the “Oxo family” in the firm’s TV ads – died of colon cancer in October 2014, aged 66. She is buried beside Michael’s parents in Crewkerne, Somerset.
STYLE
Michael grew up in the area and came back a year ago to be close to her.
His Georgian ex-vicarage has been converted in considerable style – paid for, he says firmly, out of his own pocket.
As far as Michael knows, Lynda’s sons Michael and Robbie have never visited her grave. “If they have, they’ve never left any flowers that I’ve seen,” he says flatly. “I can’t understand that.”
Michael is no longer on speaking terms with either of the boys – except via their respective lawyers.
“As a matter of fact, it annoys me that they’re still referred to as boys,” he says. “They aren’t boys. They’re men. Michael is 34, Robbie 29. They’re perfectly capable of earning a living.
“Michael has always liked the Champagne Charlie lifestyle. He’s an actor but works in a call centre between jobs.
“Robbie had a very good job as a guest relations manager in a top London hotel but he’s now moved to New York where he recently married his girlfriend.
“I wasn’t invited. As proud as I would have been, for Lynda, I would not have gone out of respect for
Lynda is in my thoughts every day. She wanted me to find love again MICHAEL PATTEMORE ON LOSING WIFE LYNDA