Evan Davis has told how his wedding day turned into a “reflective” occasion after he learned his father had taken his own life.
The BBC Radio 4 presenter, also known for hosting Dragon’s Den, revealed to his wedding guests he had just been informed of his father’s death but told them not to be “alarmed” and there’s “nothing we can do”.
Mr Davis said he “burst into tears” the next day when he was asked about his wedding.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, the presenter said his 92-year-old father, Quintin, had been diagnosed with bowel cancer and had a failing heart.
He said his father had also “felt guilt” over not being able to care for Mr Davis’s mother, who had been admitted to a care home during the COVID pandemic with symptoms of dementia.
During his wedding, Mr Davis said he received a text message from his brother, Roland, to call him.
Despite the news, Mr Davis was urged to continue with his day by Roland and their other brother, Beric.
Mr Davis told his small number of guests of the news and said the wedding in London in July 2022 became a “very warm-hearted, supportive, reflective day”.
“We’ve just had some news,” he said at his wedding reception. “My father died. But I don’t want you to be alarmed. He was very elderly and it was definitely time.
“There’s actually nothing we can do. So I’m going to propose that we carry on.”
Quintin, who had previously emailed his sons of his intention to kill himself, had left a bag of fresh clothes for his wife, while notes were found alongside his body.
One note said: “To all my family, I am so sorry – so, so sorry – to spring this on you. But it is the best outcome.
“My system is closing down and I am on the verge of a mental breakdown. I really have no alternative. Thank you all for being such a wonderful family.”
Mr Davis had been getting married to Guillaume Baltz in a follow-up occasion to their civil partnership ceremony in 2012 when Quintin had also made a “proud and loving” speech.
The radio presenter added: “We’ve all speculated on what the hell was going on in his head… there’s no good day, is there? And I know he didn’t do it to spoil our day.”
