Tina Malone opened up about her heartbreak in a deeply emotional interview, breaking down as she reflected on the loss of her husband, Paul Chase
Tina Malone breaks down in tears discussing husband’s suicide
Tina Malone has opened up about the pain of losing her husband, Paul Chase, who tragically took his own life last year. Tina is best known for playing Mimi Maguire in Shameless and is also recognised for her roles in Brookside and Celebrity Big Brother. Last year, Tina shared her heartbreak following the death of Paul and since then, has been campaigning for more support for former members of the Armed Forces.
The 62-year-old actress spoke candidly about the emotional journey she’s been on since Paul’s death. Paul, who died by suicide in March 2023 at the age of 42, had served in the army. Tina explained the difficult moments they had faced as a couple, including their separation in 2019, before they reconciled in 2020.
During the conversation, Tina was overcome with emotion as she recalled Paul’s service and the struggles he faced. In a promo clip, she shared: “My husband fought in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland. He went from Belize to Cyprus, and he had a wonderful life in the army. But 4.8 veterans take their own lives in the UK every week.”
Speaking on the The Lewis Nicholls Show podcast, she called for more awareness of the issue: “You never hear about it and it needs to change now.”
Last year, Tina revealed that PTSD drove her army veteran husband to suicide. In the 12 months before his death, his mental health had plummeted. Tina said at the time: “I’ve not spoken about this publicly until this minute. It’s the first time I’ve said it and confirmed it. Paul did commit suicide. I believe in transparency.”
The TV star added: “I’ll never get over it. I miss him so badly and I love him so much. One thing I know… he’s in a better place than here.”
Paul was nicknamed “Chevy” by Army pals thanks to his surname Chase, he served his country for a decade. But it was the enemy within that finally defeated him. And when police knocked on the door of the Liverpool home they shared, Tina “just knew”. She previously said: “Paul hadn’t come home the previous night. I heard sirens, saw flashing blue lights, and I knew.”
Despite the 21-year age gap, Tina married Paul after falling in love in the unlikely setting of a boot camp in 2009. When she was 50, they had daughter Flame, now 10. She admits: “If I didn’t have Flame I really wouldn’t want to be here.”
She explained how, with spiralling anxiety and depression, Paul had turned to drink and drugs. She said: “He felt lost, he felt useless. He couldn’t fight any more. Drugs weren’t recreational. Drink wasn’t social.”
Last year, the Ministry of Defence finally published the number of suicides among military veterans for the first time, following campaigns backed by this newspaper to support veterans returning to civilian life. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2021 – the most recent figures available – suicides by men aged 35 to 44 were almost twice as high among veterans as non-veterans, at 33.5 per 100,000, compared to 18.8.
And charities like Icarus, which helps veterans with mental health issues, are only too aware of the need for fast and effective support. Clinical director Sarah Jones says: “The sooner someone receives professional help, the better the outcome.”
Paul’s PTSD was diagnosed four years ago. On May 28, his birthday, Tina launched a foundation called Paul’s Flame, to help those in crisis. She said: “When he got drunk he’d ramble about the army and I’d tell him, ‘You have depression, you have emotional issues because of what you’ve seen’. But he’d sweep it away. He’d say, ‘How will I get a job if I have that?’ He admitted it in the end but by then things had gone too far.
“This is a man who served his country. The only way I can get through is by fighting for change, addressing the issues facing veterans and soldiers, trying to help others.”
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch
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