Jill Halfpenny is an English actress famous for appearing in Byker Grove, Coronation Street, EastEnders, Waterloo, and The Cuckoo.
She is in the limelight for finding new love again as she continues to process her grief after the devastating demise of her partner, Matt Janes. Let’s explore more.
Highlights
- Jill Halfpenny suffered unbearable grief following the tragic demise of her ex-partner, Matt Janes, which was similar to her father’s passing.
- Grief has changed her into a better person and less judgemental about herself.
- She has a son, Harvey, from her previous relationship with actor Craig Conway.
36 years old Jill Halfpenny was born in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England, on July 15, 1975.
She started acting in 1989, starring as Nicola Dobson in Newcastle-based children’s drama series Byker Grove. She played the role until 1992.
Similarly, she made her radio debut covering slots on BBC Radio 2 for regular presenters Liza Tarbuck and Sara Cox. Later, she hosted the station’s Good Morning Sunday show throughout August 2018.
She has narrated commercials for The Sunday Times, Cocoa Pops, Argos, First Choice, and Royal Air Force.
Pan Macmillan will publish her memoir, A Life Reimagined, in June 2024. It touches on the story of her father and ex-partner’s demise.
Jill Halfpenny Griefed Following Matt’s Demise, But Ian Became Her Cheerleader
In January 2017, Matt Janes, Jill Halfpenny’s ex-partner, tragically lost his life. At the age of forty-three, he had a heart attack in the gym.
She opened up about dealing with grief following Matt’s sudden demise. It took two years for Jill to open up about her unbearable grief.
The loss was similar to her father’s passing when she was just four years old. Her father went to play football and never returned home in 1979.
Jill explained,
My grief at losing Matt, my partner, was so brutal and so shocking but then what happened was it brought out all of the grief from my dad as well. It was like dealing with a double loss – a loss I’d never actually dealt with.
Grief has made her a better person and less judgemental about herself.
She described her feeling as though she was living under a curse, experiencing such devastating loss twice. She resolved not to let that incident define her life, seeking therapy.
Despite the pain, she eventually found love again after seven years with her new partner, Ian.
Jill shared that meeting Ian felt like perfect timing, and he has become her cheerleader.
She expressed gratitude for meeting someone she loves and who loves her in return.
Moreover, she married actor Craig Conway in 2007, and they have a son, Harvey-Reece Conway. Their marriage didn’t last long, and they went their separate ways in 2010.
Additional Information
- Jill Halfpenny won the TV Quick Best Actress award for Waterloo Road in 2007, the Theatregoers’ Choice Award, and the Laurence Olivier Award for Legally Blonde in 2011.
- In 2013, she received the Freeman of the Borough of Gateshead title for contributing to charity, theater, and television.
- She won the celebrity ballroom dancing contest Strictly Come Dancing with professional dancer Darren Bennett.
