Love and fresh starts are at the heart of every good soap story—and this time, it’s real-life imitating art. Coronation Street icon Wendi Peters, famously known for her role as Cilla Battersby-Brown, has opened up about her personal life in a way that’s sure to intrigue fans. After a 33-year marriage came to an end, Wendi has found love again, proving that it’s never too late for a new chapter. What’s more, her story offers a mix of romance, resilience, and fresh beginnings—something we think every viewer can relate to.
Moving On After 33 Years
Last year, Wendi’s split from her husband, Kenny Linden, marked the end of a long chapter in her life. But while the change was significant, it also opened the door to new opportunities. Now, Wendi is dating Gareth Wale, a 53-year-old carpet showroom owner from Leicester. The pair met online, and Wendi candidly admitted the process wasn’t easy at first. “To be with somebody for 33 years and then to suddenly have to think about dating was a bit scary,” Wendi shared. “But my girlfriends persuaded me to go online, and that’s how I met Gareth. We’ve been really happy since.”
It’s a love story with a modern twist—something that feels both relatable and heartwarming. And in true Corrie fashion, it involves a meeting of two very different worlds. Wendi added: “When Gareth asked what I did, I told him I was an actress. He asked, ‘Amateur, theatre, TV?’ and I said I was in Coronation Street. There was a gap of about an hour before he emailed me back. Obviously, he’d been Googling!”
Navigating Love and Long Distance
One thing that stands out about Wendi and Gareth’s relationship is their ability to make it work despite the distance. Living 150 miles apart, with very different work hours, hasn’t been easy, but they’ve found ways to keep their romance strong. “Moving in is certainly something we might consider,” Wendi revealed. “It’s very hard continuing a relationship when you’re 150 miles away, but we make it work. Gareth even made an effort to come and see me during my Sister Act tour earlier this year. He managed to take a few Mondays and Tuesdays off, came to the venues I was at, and stayed for a couple of nights. It was romantic and lovely of him.”
Their shared experiences, from holidays to quiet moments together, have strengthened their bond. Wendi also spoke about how their different careers bring variety to their relationship: “I love that Gareth doesn’t really know much about the acting business. The fact that we have nothing in common there gives us so much more to talk about.”
A Festive Twist
As Christmas approaches, Wendi and Gareth are planning an early celebration due to her upcoming role in Sleeping Beauty as the evil fairy Carabosse at The Stockport Plaza. It’s clear that this couple knows how to balance busy schedules with meaningful moments.
“I’ve got a day off the week before Christmas, so I’ll head down to Leicester for an early celebration,” Wendi explained. “Then we’ll be with our families on Christmas Day. It’s my dad’s birthday on Christmas Day, so I always try to spend it with Mum and Dad.” The couple has already shared memorable moments this year, from a Richard Ashcroft gig over the summer to a romantic Easter trip to the Cotswolds. They’ve even holidayed in Crete, with Wendi posting loved-up pictures on Instagram.
At 56, Wendi is embracing this exciting phase of her life with open arms. Whether it’s her thriving relationship with Gareth or her dedication to acting, she’s living proof that life is full of surprises and new beginnings. And as fans of Coronation Street, we can’t help but draw parallels between her real-life story and the soap’s most iconic romances. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more updates on your favorite Corrie stars—because if Wendi’s journey is anything to go by, the best is yet to come!
