Emmerdale legend Patsy Kensit ‘had secret affair with major star 30 years older’

Emmerdale legend Patsy Kensit has opened up about a passionate and largely private chapter of her life, revealing she once had a ‘secret affair’ with Hollywood star Terence Stamp, despite a 30-year age gap between them.

The actress, now 57, said the relationship began in the early 1990s while the pair were working together on the crime thriller Prince of Shadows, which was filmed in Madrid. At the time, Patsy was just 23 and already a rising star in her own right, while Terence was an Oscar-nominated actor with an international reputation, best known for playing General Zod in the original Superman films.

According to Patsy, their first meeting came at a Chelsea dinner party, where they were introduced through a mutual friend. Although the encounter was brief, it clearly left an impression. Not long afterwards, Patsy was cast as Rebeca in Prince of Shadows and personally suggested Terence for the lead role of Darman, bringing them back together professionally and, eventually, romantically.

Speaking candidly about the relationship, Patsy described their connection as intense and deeply emotional, despite the obvious age difference between them.

She told The Sun: ‘We were star-crossed lovers and he was a total gentleman. Even though there was an age gap, we had a strong bond. He was an amazing and generous lover.’

Filming in Madrid allowed the pair to grow close away from the glare of the UK spotlight, and once production ended, the romance continued back in London. Patsy said she would often visit Terence at his Piccadilly flat, describing the time they spent together as special and strangely timeless.

Looking back years later, she reflected on that period as a ‘lost few months in my life’, suggesting it was a fleeting but unforgettable experience that stayed with her long after it ended.

The relationship eventually fizzled out when Patsy left the UK in 1991 to film Timebomb. She later admitted that she made the decision to walk away, explaining that she was ‘young and stupid’ at the time, a choice she has since viewed with more understanding and perspective.

Terence Stamp died in August 2025 at the age of 87 in Los Angeles. Following his death, his family released a statement paying tribute to his extraordinary career and legacy.

They said: ‘He leaves behind an extraordinary body of work, both as an actor and as a writer that will continue to touch and inspire people for years to come. We ask for privacy at this sad time.’

While the romance was short-lived, it took place during a pivotal period in Patsy’s own career, one that would soon see her become one of Britain’s most recognisable soap stars. Although she had been famous since childhood, her later role as the iconic Sadie King in Emmerdale firmly cemented her status as a television legend.

Patsy also went on to briefly star in the BBC’s EastEnders as Lola Pierce’s estranged mother in 2023.

Patsy joined the ITV soap in the early 2000s, quickly becoming one of its most talked-about characters. Sadie’s dramatic storylines, fiery personality and unforgettable confrontations made her a fan favourite and secured Patsy’s place in Emmerdale’s history. Her performances were widely praised, adding depth and glamour to the dales.

Over the years, Patsy has remained a familiar face on British television, balancing acting with music, reality TV appearances and candid interviews about her life in the spotlight. Known for her honesty, she has never shied away from reflecting on her past, including the highs, the heartbreaks and the choices she made along the way.

Her revelation about Terence Stamp offers a glimpse into a quieter, more private side of her life, away from the drama of soaps. Now, decades on, Patsy looks back on the affair with warmth rather than regret, as a brief but meaningful chapter.

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