Sheridan Smith has been hit by fresh heartache after a string of personal woes, as it’s been revealed her ex-boyfriend Graham Nation has died at the age of 39.
The stylist, who worked with Hollywood names including Demi Moore and Catherine O’Hara, died suddenly at a Los Angeles gym on February 14.
The L.A. County Department of Medical Examiner confirmed to People that the case is pending additional investigation.
Graham and Sheridan dated briefly in 2017 with the Two Pints of Lager and Packet of Crisps star calling him her ‘dream man.’
The couple had lived together at Sheridan’s home in London, and were previously pictured cosying up to one another in Notting Hill.
Sources previously shared that Sheridan was heartbroken when they split, and he went onto move out of her London home.
Sheridan Smith’s ex-boyfriend Graham Nation has tragically died at the age of 39. The pair briefly dated in 2017, with the hairstylist moving in with her at her London home
The stylist, who worked with Hollywood names including Demi Moore and Catherine O’Hara, died suddenly at a Los Angeles gym on February 14
A source told The Sun: ‘There is no animosity and Graham is still there for her, but she feels quite lonely at the moment.’
It comes after it was revealed that Sheridan had indefinitely shelved her long-awaited autobiography, Honestly.
Announced in 2021, the tell-all book was intended to explore the actress’s darkest moments, including her battles with alcohol, mental health struggles and high-profile relationships, such as those with actor James Corden and Jamie Horn, the father of her son.
However, after multiple delays, the project has been cancelled. A source revealed to The Sun: ‘Sheridan has had a busy few years and didn’t have time to put the finishing touches to the book.
‘Her mindset is different now, and she doesn’t want this version to come out. She felt unsure whether she wants to put all of her life on pages for everyone to read.’
This decision came as no surprise to fans familiar with The Huntsman performer’s long-standing struggles.
In 2016, the actress faced a highly publicised breakdown while starring in the West End production of Funny Girl.
Stress, exhaustion and her father’s cancer diagnosis compounded her mental health issues, forcing her to take a hiatus from the show.
Sheridan has endured a turbulent year, with the star shelving her autobiography and her theatre show Opening Night was forced to close early due to low ticket sales and poor reviews
Graham became a father just six months ago to his baby boy named Romeo
Reflecting on that period, Sheridan admitted: ‘I was very ashamed of that time in my life.
‘I went off the rails a bit, dated all the wrong people… I feel like I’m a mum now, and I’m very grateful for everything I’ve got. I feel like the best is yet to come.’
The BAFTA-winning actress has never shied away from discussing her mental health battles, often tying them to the pressures of fame and loss.
Her father’s death in 2016 profoundly affected her, leading to an extended period of grief.
‘The public always stood by me… People were stopping me and cuddling me on the street,’ she shared in a recent interview, expressing gratitude for the understanding she received during that time.
Her most recent West End play, Opening Night, which she described as ‘close to the bone’, highlighted the parallels between her own struggles and those of her character, a functioning alcoholic actress unraveling under pressure.
Despite Sheridan’s dedication to the role, the production faced harsh criticism and an early closure, as producers blamed a ‘challenging financial landscape’ for the shock decision.
The show ended its run at the Gielgud Theatre in London in May 2024, two months earlier than originally planned.
She broke down in tears when discussing the play, revealing: ‘I was just heartbroken for the company. I felt like I let them down in a way, that I couldn’t sell it.’
The actress explained that Opening Night forced her to confront her demons.
‘I wanted to prove that I could do it, that I could face my demons. I’m so much stronger than I was back then,’ she said.
Following news of Graham’s death, The Wall Group, who represented him, shared a moving tribute with Behind The Chair.
They said: “Graham was a one-of-a-kind soul who impacted every single person he met. We are honoured to have been part of his journey and to have helped him share his artistry with the world.
‘Our hearts are broken and we will miss him dearly.’
On February 10, Nation – whose real name was Graham Cheek – took to Instagram to thank Schitt’s Creek actress Katherine for the opportunity to style her hair for the Super Bowl commercial for Michelob ULTRA.
Nation captioned the post: ‘My first ever Super Bowl commercial! What an absolute blast to work on. Thank you Cathrine O’Hara for having me apart of this epic commercial.’
In recent weeks and months he had also worked with Erin Foster, Madison Beer, and The White Lotus actress Meghann Fahy.
Upon hearing the sad news, people rushed to Nation’s Instagram to share their thoughts and commented on a post from six days ago.
The celebrity hairstylist is described as ‘a true artistic visionary’ who ‘had an unparalleled work ethic’
‘The most genuine soul. RIP,’ one person wrote, while a second said: ‘really gonna miss you. Rest in peace.’
A third person commented: ‘Oh my god… this is heartbreaking to hear, I’m in shock.. beyond sad. Rest easy.’
And a fourth Instagram user wrote: ‘This can’t be real, I’m heartbroken.’
Foster, who wrote and created the hit Netflix series Nobody Wants This, took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday and paid tribute to Nation.
Sharing a sweet photo of him and his baby son, Foster wrote: ‘I can not stop thinking about and missing @grahamnation. He left behind a six-month-old baby.
‘We shared diapers and sleep training tips. He was amazing. I can’t stop thinking about his partner Tonya and what she must be going through losing her partner and now raising their son alone,’ she added.
Foster also shared a link to a GoFundMe page for Nation’s partner and child and told her followers: ‘Please consider donating and sharing, $20 makes a difference!’
The GoFundMe reads: ‘With the deepest sorrow, we suddenly lost our beloved Graham on Friday, February 14.
‘Graham’s passing came completely unexpected. The family is left bereft and bewildered and is in a state of tragic shock and sorrow.
Nobody Wants This writer and creator Erin Foster took to Instagram to pay tribute to Graham
‘Graham had an esteemed career as a hairstylist. A true artistic visionary whose creative passions were only magnified by the birth of his son Romeo, who just turned 6 months old on the 5th of February.’
The post continued: ‘Graham had an unparalleled work ethic and, along with his incredible partner in life and mother to Romeo, Tonya, it was their shared moral values to create and build a legacy for their beautiful budding family. This was without a doubt Graham’s ambition.
‘As Graham continues to be a ray of light and inspiration, we will continue to keep his legacy alive for his son Romeo.
‘As dear friends to Graham, Tonya and Romeo, we have decided to create this gofundme with the intention of providing support for Tonya and Romeo. With the hope of minimizing the stresses around financial hardships in the harrowing days of healing ahead.
‘As well as to show that she will be carried and supported by all who love her, Romeo and Graham by those known, and unknown alike,’ the post added.
‘With the utmost respect, we honor Graham’s family, The Cheek family, who raised him to be the wonderful son, brother, and friend we have all known and loved.
‘Our respect and condolences are with Tonya’s family, The Brewer family, as Graham had given their daughter the absolute joy of her life in creating beautiful baby Romeo.’
