Tricia Penrose, the television actress celebrated for her portrayal of Gina Bellamy in the long-running series Heartbeat, has married Chris Hargreaves.

A New Chapter for the Actress

The 56-year-old actress and Hargreaves exchanged vows at Briars Hall Country Club in Lancashire on Saturday. Penrose shared joyful photos on social media, calling Hargreaves the ‘love of her life.’

Wedding Details

Penrose looked radiant in a white lace bridal gown featuring a Bardot neckline and flowing princess skirt. Hargreaves complemented her in a light green suit with a white shirt and dark tie.

Past and Present

This marriage marks a new beginning for Penrose following her divorce from Mark Simpkin, her husband of 18 years. The couple, who share two sons, Jake, 22, and Freddy, 17, separated after growing apart, with the divorce finalized before Penrose publicly acknowledged her relationship with Hargreaves in 2021.

From Tenerife to the Altar

Their romance quickly blossomed, leading to a proposal during a romantic getaway to Tenerife last summer. Details of the ceremony were kept private, but social media posts revealed a joyous occasion.

A History of Love

Penrose and Simpkin first met at the National Television Awards in 2001, marrying in 2003 at Adlington Hall in Cheshire. They renewed their vows in 2013, celebrating a decade of marriage. Simpkin previously described Penrose as his wife and best friend.

Beyond Heartbeat

In addition to her iconic role in Heartbeat (1993-2010), Penrose has appeared in The Royal, Brookside, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale. She has also participated in reality television shows like Comic Relief Does Fame Academy and Celebrity Big Brother. Currently, she works as a radio presenter at Radio Wirral.