Janet Ellis, 70, Embraces New Love After Heartbreaking Loss of Husband to Cancer

Janet Ellis, the former Blue Peter presenter, has opened up about her journey through grief and her willingness to find love again nearly five years after the death of her husband, television producer John Leach. Ellis, who lost Leach to secondary lung cancer in 2021, shared her thoughts on companionship and the enduring impact of love during a recent interview.

A Journey of Love and Loss

Ellis expressed that she misses the simple joys of sharing life with a partner. The love she experienced with Leach has left her open to the possibility of new companionship, although she emphasized that no one could ever replace him. “I had a really good teacher in John that two is good, two is great,” she stated, reflecting on the importance of having someone who understands and supports you.

Navigating the Path to New Relationships

Despite her openness to love, Ellis acknowledged that she hasn’t dated anyone for a long time. She humorously noted that her dating habits might still be rooted in her younger years. “I love the idea of someone alongside me, but I don’t know how I get there,” she admitted. She also remarked that if she has admirers, they seem to be keeping quiet.

Ellis highlighted the significance of being open to love after having been deeply loved herself. “If you’ve been really loved, then you are porous and you are available for that because love is huge,” she said. While she will always cherish her memories with Leach, she is hopeful about the possibility of sharing life’s small moments with someone new.

Advocating for Cancer Caregivers

In addition to her personal reflections, Ellis is actively promoting a new guide titled 15 Things, aimed at supporting caregivers of cancer patients. The book, authored by her friend Paul Evans, offers insights and advice based on his experiences caring for his wife, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Ellis believes the guide should be widely available, stating, “As soon as I read the book, I thought it needed to be everywhere.”

The guide addresses various aspects of navigating the cancer journey, including how to communicate effectively with loved ones and manage emotional challenges. Ellis emphasized the importance of making this resource accessible in places like oncologist waiting rooms.

The Impact of Grief

Ellis shared that the diagnosis of her husband’s illness was a devastating shock. Initially, his symptoms seemed minor, but they escalated quickly. “John’s diagnosis came out of the blue really,” she recalled. After a period of optimism following treatment, they were blindsided by the news of secondary lung cancer during what they thought was a routine check-up.

Despite the challenges, Ellis noted that Leach approached his terminal diagnosis with remarkable practicality. He ensured that his family was prepared for what lay ahead, guiding them through the difficult process. “He never wanted to hide his illness from anyone,” she said.

Finding Comfort in Family

After Leach’s passing, Ellis found solace in her family. Her grandson, Sonny, now lives with her, a decision suggested by her daughter, singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor. This arrangement has brought new energy into her home, allowing her to share daily life with someone close.

Ellis expressed her gratitude for this situation, noting how it has helped alleviate feelings of loneliness. “After John died, I realized I don’t want to be the only one turning the lights on and off,” she said. “I like the energy of someone else in the house.”

Reflections on Life and Career

As she reflects on her career, Ellis feels a sense of nostalgia for her time on Blue Peter, while also appreciating the current generation of presenters. She emphasized the importance of not undermining the experiences of younger individuals in the industry. “When I was on Blue Peter, there was only one other channel. It was very, very different,” she noted.

Ellis also mentioned her love for London, stating that she could never imagine leaving the city for the countryside. “I love walking by the Thames with my dog,” she said, highlighting her affinity for urban life.

Coping with Anxiety

Despite her vibrant personality, Ellis admitted to being a “lifelong catastrophist,” often jumping to worst-case scenarios when her children do not answer their phones. She shared how Leach would often reassure her during such moments, reminding her to keep things in perspective.

Conclusion

Janet Ellis continues to navigate her journey of grief while remaining open to new experiences and relationships. Her advocacy for caregivers and her reflections on love and loss serve as a testament to her resilience and enduring spirit.

As reported by www.mirror.co.uk.

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Published on 2026-07-04 15:34:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk