Tricia Penrose, known for her role in the TV series Heartbeat, announced that she has tied the knot with her new partner, Chris Hargreaves. This happy event follows her divorce from her first husband of nearly two decades, Mark Simpkin, which occurred four years ago.
The wedding ceremony took place at Briars Hall Country Club in Lancashire, where the 56-year-old actress shared pictures from the celebration on social media, declaring that she had married the love of her life. Tricia looked stunning in a fitted ballgown with a lace bodice and tulle A-line skirt, while her husband, Chris, wore a light green suit. Fans flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages and well wishes.
Tricia’s marriage to Chris comes after her split from Mark Simpkin in 2021. The former couple, who have two sons together, ended their 18-year marriage citing growing apart as the reason for their separation.
Tricia, recognized for her role as Gina Bellamy in Heartbeat from 1993 to 2010, has also appeared on Emmerdale and Coronation Street. Her new relationship with Chris became public in 2025, and they got engaged during a holiday in Tenerife.
Aside from her acting career, Tricia participated in the reality show Celebrity Big Brother in 2013, reaching the semi-finals before her eviction. Her portrayal of Gina in Heartbeat was iconic, making her the longest-serving female cast member on the show with over 300 episodes to her credit.
Gina’s character had an intriguing storyline with Phil Bellamy, played by Mark Jordon, culminating in marriage on the show. Their on-screen relationship captivated viewers until the series’ conclusion, which featured the birth of Gina and Phil’s son.
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