Nadia Sawalha Opens Up on Marital Struggles and Heartbreaking Loss
London, 8 January 2026 – Loose Women panellist Nadia Sawalha has candidly discussed her 23-year marriage to Mark Adderley, admitting they nearly divorced multiple times, while also paying an emotional tribute to her late friend Hannah Gardner, who succumbed to cancer.
Marriage Revelations Amid Personal Challenges
Nadia Sawalha, 61, shared intimate details about her relationship with husband Mark Adderley, 56, during a recent episode of their joint podcast, Coffee Moaning. The couple, married since 2002 and parents to daughters Maddie, 21, and Kiki-Bee, 16, revealed they sought marriage counselling after their communication broke down. Sawalha emphasised the hard work required to maintain their union, stating they had come close to divorce “many times”.
The revelations come amid other personal upheavals, including the recent illness of Adderley’s mother, Diane, affectionately known as “Nanny Di”, which led to the cancellation of their live shows in December 2025. Sawalha also opened up about her husband’s past addiction issues on Loose Women, highlighting the couple’s resilience.
Tribute to Late Friend Hannah Gardner
On 8 January 2026, Sawalha fought back tears on Loose Women while paying tribute to her close friend Hannah Gardner, who died on 28 December 2025 at the age of 39 after a long battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed in 2013, Gardner’s condition progressed to stage four, spreading to her liver. Sawalha, joined by host Kaye Adams and panellists Denise Welch and Sunetra Sarker, expressed deep shock and distress over the loss.
Gardner had appeared on Loose Women in 2023 to discuss her treatment with immunotherapy drug atezolizumab, which extended her life expectancy. Sawalha’s emotional on-air tribute underscored the impact of Gardner’s passing on her and the show’s audience.
Key Facts and Recent Developments
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage Duration | 23 years (since 2002) |
| Near Divorces | Multiple times, resolved through counselling |
| Friend’s Death | Hannah Gardner, 39, died 28 December 2025 from breast cancer |
| Family Illness | Mother-in-law Diane (“Nanny Di”) hospitalised in December 2025 |
| Loose Women Tenure | Original panellist (1999-2002), returned 2013 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Nadia Sawalha say about her marriage?
She admitted she and Mark Adderley nearly divorced “many times” and sought counselling to save their relationship after 23 years together.
Who was Hannah Gardner?
Hannah Gardner was a close friend of Nadia Sawalha who battled breast cancer for over a decade and died on 28 December 2025 at age 39.
Why did Nadia cancel her shows?
The cancellations in December 2025 were due to her mother-in-law’s illness, requiring hospitalisation.