Dame Deborah James's widower ‘in relationship with Swiss investment banker'
The widower of Dame Deborah James is reportedly in a relationship with a Swiss investment banker.
Sebastien Bowen, 45, was pictured holding hands with Susann Aulbach while walking alongside the Thames in west London.
The Daily Mail reported that Ms Aulback, 39, is the head of investor relations at a London finance firm.
They were seen enjoying lunch at the the River Cafe in Hammersmith after Mr Bowen was said to have been given the blessing of his late wife's family to start dating again.
Before her death from cancer in June 2022, aged 40, Dame Deborah told her husband he could move on but not 'marry a bimbo'.
She was awarded a damehood by Prince William, who visited her at her parents' home in Woking, Surrey.
After starting her end-of-life care, the former deputy headmistress said in an interview: 'I have given him strict instructions: I want him to move on.
'He's a handsome man. I'm like, 'don't be taken for a ride, don't marry a bimbo, find someone else who can make you laugh like we did'.'
In 2023, her mother, Heather, said: 'Deborah will be a hard act to follow, but he has our blessing.'
Mr Bowen and Dame Deborah married in 2008 and had two children together. She was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2015, and went on to call herself 'Bowelbabe'.
The broadcaster, best known for the award-winning You, Me And The Big C, raised more than £11 million for cancer charities, including £3 million in three days after announcing that she was moving to hospice care.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge revealed that they were among the thousands who had donated. The couple tweeted: 'Every now and then, someone captures the heart of the nation with their zest for life and tenacious desire to give back to society. @bowelbabe is one of those special people.
'Her tireless efforts to raise awareness of bowel cancer and end the stigma of treatment are inspiring. We are so sad to hear her recent update but pleased to support the @bowelbabef (Bowelbabe Fund) which will benefit the @royalmarsdenNHS among others.
'Deborah, our thoughts are with you, your family and your friends. Thank you for giving hope to so many who are living with cancer. W & C.'
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