Brenda Edwards has opened up about the painful effects of her son Jamal’s unexpected passing, sharing how her grief prompted multiple relocations as part of her healing process. The discussion took place during her appearance on Loose Women on February 26, 2025, where she joined fellow hosts Christine Lampard, Jane Moore, and Coleen Nolan to explore the memories connected to homes and the reasons people choose to move.
Brenda revealed she has moved 13 times throughout her life, with nine of those moves occurring after she turned 18. Losing Jamal, who died at the young age of 31 due to cardiac arrhythmia, marked the most significant turning point for her. Reflecting on the home where she lived following her son’s passing, Brenda described it as once bright and full of life. "It was a bright house, we all lived there together. But when he passed, all of a sudden, the walls just seemed really dark. And I can’t explain it—it was just really gloomy,” she recalled.
Brenda went on to share her concerns about her daughter Tanisha, who also struggled with the loss. She admitted, "Tanisha as well—I was battling on with it and getting through it, but I didn’t realize Tanisha was seeing Jamal come round every corner. And I think, created a darkness.” Her heartfelt sentiments stirred empathy not only among the show's audience but across the nation as viewers began to understand the depth of her grief.
Jamal Edwards, known for founding SBTV and significantly impacting the UK music scene, passed away unexpectedly on February 20, 2022. Brenda publicly announced his death with heavy heartache, stating, “It is with the deepest heartache I confirm my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness. Myself, his sister Tanisha, and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the center of our world.” She requested privacy during this painful time and expressed gratitude for the support she received following her son’s tragic death.
Jamal’s legacy, filled with inspiration, continues to live on. "Our love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PHD,” Brenda wrote, serving as a powerful reminder of the impact he had on many lives. Her candidness about maintaining her son's memory through grief showcases her strength and resilience.
Shifting focus, the heartfelt legacy of another celebrity, Wendy Richard, made headlines as well. Wendy, who played the role of Pauline Fowler for over 20 years on EastEnders, reportedly had touching wishes for her friend and co-star Natalie Cassidy. After Wendy’s passing from breast cancer in February 2009, it was revealed she planned to leave her estate, worth £2 million, to Natalie, contingent upon the timeline of her husband’s passing.
Natalie cherished her friendship with Wendy, often referring to her as "a second mum." Reflecting on Wendy's death, she expressed how deeply it affected her. “I hit rock bottom after losing someone I considered a second mum. It was so much to deal with my own mother’s passing years earlier and then losing Wendy,” she recounted.
Wendy's friendship with Natalie was cherished, and she gifted her friend a lucky necklace, which Natalie continues to treasure. “It’s supposed to bring you luck with your career, and ever since I’ve had it, I’ve had nothing but happiness, luck, jobs, and money coming my way,” Natalie remarked, attributing some of her success to Wendy's lasting influence.
Following Wendy’s death, Natalie struggled significantly with her emotional health. She sought therapy to help deal with her grief and the introspection it stirred. Natalie shared, “I wasn’t well. I wouldn’t call it a breakdown, but I was under so much pressure. I did see a therapist.” The process of seeking help for her mental wellbeing led to important realizations about her life choices, family dynamics, and unresolved loss.
Meanwhile, Zachary Levi shared his excitement over becoming a father, expressing the joy he feels at welcoming his first child with partner Maggie Keatings. At 44, Zachary reflected on his life experiences and how wanted to be a father since childhood. “I’m so pumped. I’m not nervous at all,” he declared. His upcoming film, The Unbreakable Boy, showcases his connection to fatherhood, portraying a dad learning to navigate complex challenges linked to his son's autism and brittle bone disease.
Discussing his own struggles with mental health, Zachary looked back on his life's trials and personal growth from therapy. “At 37, I had a mental breakdown and didn’t want to live anymore. Through very intensive therapy, I found out I never loved myself,” he conceded. The film persona he plays resonates with his actual experiences. “When I read the script, I was very moved by it, crying, got me right in the feels,” he added, showing there's therapeutic value even within fictional portrayals.
These poignant stories demonstrate the intertwining of personal struggles and public personas, reflecting how celebrities navigate challenges with emotion and strength. From Brenda Edwards’ grief over her son's passing, to Natalie Cassidy's touching memories of Wendy Richard, and Zachary Levi's joyous anticipation of fatherhood, the human experience continues to resonate within and beyond the glitzy world of fame.