West End star and husband 'move apart'

Andrew Clarke

East Anglia theatre star Ruthie Henshall responded last night to growing speculation about the state of her marriage.

The West End star, who is currently running a musical theatre summer school for local children, has been the subject to increased attention from the national press about her relationship with husband Broadway performer Tim Howar.

After repeated inquiries from the national gossip columnists Ruthie management issued a brief statement yesterday evening intended to set the record straight.

“Ruthie Henshall and her husband Tim Howar have moved apart but remain very good friends and continue to share responsibility and care for their two children, Lily, six and Dolly, four.

“They are not willing to say any more at the present time.”

The couple met in 2001 when they both starred in the West End show Peggy Sue Got Married and married in 2004. They have both worked in the West End and on Broadway. Ruthie last year was nominated for the prestigious Olivier award for her leading performance in the musical Marguerite. Ruthie has also been a judge on two series of the ITV ratings winner Dancing on Ice.

Tim spent part of last year playing a leading role in the musical Rent on Broadway.

The couple decided earlier in the year to run the summer theatre school in Lawford, near Manningtree, as a way of giving something back to the local community. They are running the theatre workshops with local dance instructor Debbie Millar.

Debbie and Tim have also invited other local professionals like Blue Peter's Zoe Salmon to give youngsters an insight into life on stage and in front of the cameras.

Last night Ruthie's father David Henshall asked that the couple be given space and time to run the theatre school and time to sort things out in their own heads.

He said: “They are working together on their drama school production and don't want anyone breathing down their necks right now. Time for reflection is what they need.”