Warwick Davis thanks 'She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named' for helping him love again
He gave an emotional speech at the Baftas last month, referencing his late wife, Samantha, who died last March, aged 53, and their two surviving children.
While receiving his Bafta Fellowship award, the 55-year-old star thanked an anonymous woman called 'Sponge' for their help whilst he grieved.
Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show, Davis said the woman reminded him of Cooper – who was also on the ITV talk show – playing Kerry Mucklowe in the BBC's Cotswolds-set series This Country.
No one deserves the BAFTA Fellowship more than Mr Warwick Davis Huge Congratulations, enjoy your evening 🎊🎊🎊 @WarwickADavis 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺#BAFTA2025 #WarwickDavis pic.twitter.com/bzzkYRp23i
— A TV Friend 📺 🍭 #FBPE Stan Nurse Crane Mr Jones (@atvfriend) February 16, 2025
Davis referenced the name sometimes given to Harry Potter antagonist Lord Voldemort – He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named – to avoid identifying the mystery woman.
He said: 'I can reveal, sticking with the Harry Potter theme, Sponge is indeed She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.
'Sponge very much reminds me of Kerry. Some of the things she says and her accent.'
Davis was awarded the Bafta Fellowship in February, which is described by the academy as the 'highest accolade Bafta can bestow on any one figure, recognising an exceptional contribution to film, television or games'.
He told Ross how 'supportive' his wife was, saying she always encouraged him despite the difficult hours that came with the job.
The couple co-founded dwarfism charity Little People UK, which helps provide 'friendship and financial support and guidance' to people with the condition and their families and friends.
In his Bafta speech, Davis said: 'I'd like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy who died almost a year ago.
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Warwick Davis dedicates Bafta film fellowship award to late wife
'She was always so supportive of my career, encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands.
'Since then life has been pretty tough for me but thanks to the support of our wonderful children, Annabelle and Harrison, I have been able to continue working and engaging in life.
'Special mention too should go to 'Sponge', you know who you are. Thank you for showing me that life can still have meaning and for helping me to laugh and love again.'
The Jonathan Ross Show airs on Saturday at 9.20pm on ITV and ITVX.
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