Jack Tweed has shared never-before-seen photos of Jade Goody on the 15th anniversary of her death, as he opens up about finding love again.
At just 21 years old, Jack saw the first true love of his life pass away after a courageous and public battle with cervical cancer in the early hours of March 22, 2009.
The 36-year-old was catapulted into the public spotlight without warning and became one of the country’s most famous men after his relationship with the Celebrity Big Brother star.
Fifteen years after her death, he has shared new photos of the couple when they were dating early on.
He has also opened up about what life is like with his new partner, Ellie Sergant, 29, who he met through mutual friends in Essex after they went public with their relationship in September 2022.
Jack Tweed, pictured with Jade Goody, has shared never-before-seen photos
The 36-year-old revealed the candid images on the 15th anniversary of Jade’s death
Jade passed away after a courageous and public battle with cervical cancer in March 2009
As well as sharing the photos, Jack also opens up about what life is like in his new relationship with Ellie Sargeant, pictured
Jack explained how Ellie, a PA, did that found it difficult at times, but fully understands the big role Jade played in his life.
The 36-year-old told Ny Breaking: ‘Ellie was amazing. I was afraid I would never find love again.
‘With Jade it was so public. Everything was played out in public and when she died it was so tragic and sad. I had no idea what would happen for the rest of my life.
‘I went off the rails, drank too much and lost a purpose in life. I had no idea how I would ever find peace and happiness again.
“Then Ellie came along. It just felt good. It never felt like I was replacing Jade. Jade will always be part of my life and was my first love. She meant the world to me and still will.
‘But she wouldn’t want me to be sad for the rest of my life. She wishes I would find happiness.
‘She is very understanding. She knows how much Jade meant to me. It wasn’t like we broke up, she died so young. That stays with you. The sadness will always be there.
‘It is not easy. It is difficult. I can’t believe it’s been 15 years. So much has happened since then. Of course, Ellie also knew about Jade before we started dating. I don’t think she had any idea what to expect.’
Ellie has visited Jade’s grave with Jack and the pair often talk about her impact on his life and that of her two boys, Eastenders actor Bobby and Freddie. They spent yesterday together at the ceremony where she is buried in Essex.
Earlier this month it was announced that he plans to marry his new girlfriend.
Jack, 36, tied the knot in a very emotional wedding ceremony with Jade – who was 27 at the time – a month before she died from cervical cancer in March 2009.
Jack shot to fame in 2007 when he joined Celebrity Big Brother alongside Jade (pictured together in 2006)
Following Jade’s death two years later, he suffered major depression and turned to alcohol (pictured visiting Jade’s grave in 2011)
Jade Goody and Jack Tweeds outside her Waltham Abbey home in February 2009
Jack picks up Jade’s children Freddie and Bobbie in Chigwell, Essex, in 2009
Tweed met Ellie through mutual friends in Essex in 2022, and the couple went public for the first time in September the same year.
Strictly Come Dancing star Bobby Brazier pictured at London Fashion Week earlier this year
Jack added: “Ellie is not replacing Jade. Even after her death, I took my time, but I found love.
‘It’s been a surreal time and it’s only in the last year or so that I’ve started to feel happiness. It’s hard being a widow at any time. It’s heartbreaking. I think it happens at age 21, which adds to the confusion.
‘I wanted to share a lifetime of memories with Jade. But that never happened. Ellie knows that.’
He also said the couple communicating about Jade was a great help, adding: ‘I never felt like I couldn’t talk to her about it. She has always been very supportive.
‘That really helped me. I loved Jade. I love Ellie and she respects that. I am so grateful for that and that I have her next to me.
“My loving memories of Jade will always burn bright and I am grateful to share them with Ellie. The 15th anniversary will be emotional. And that also applies to the 30th anniversary and so on.
‘I have learned to live with that sadness, but also to move on and find happiness. Ellie and I are considering marriage and I would love to become a father for the first time. I would love to start a family with her.”
Ellie said: “Jack is a very special man. I love him. I know how much Jade means to him and that is very special. Nothing will change that.’
Jack added: ‘After Jade died there were other girlfriends but I always compared them to Jade. That is no longer the case.’