WITH his adoring wife of 33 years by his side, Warwick Davis felt like a superhero.
But now the Tenable host, 54, and his two children must adjust to life without his “favourite human” Samantha, whose death at the age of 53 was announced yesterday.
In an emotional tribute to the actress and charity founder, Warwick called her his “most trusted confidante and ardent supporter”, adding that her backing was “like having a super power”.
He wrote: “Her passing has left a huge hole in our lives as a family.
“I miss her hugs.
"She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life.
"She had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes.”
Fans of Harry Potter star Warwick sent condolences over Samantha’s March 24 death, the cause of which was not disclosed.
Those who knew her praised her boundless optimism and philanthropic endeavours.
The tragedy comes after Samantha survived a near-fatal battle with sepsis in 2018 as she recovered from decompression surgery on her spine.
Warwick said the scare ensured they “never take life for granted now” and that they were “living each day as if it were our last”.
However, it also seemed to mark the beginning of a decline in Samantha’s health and, in recent years, her mobility worsened.
Warwick added: “I appreciate and cherish every moment that Sam and I spend together.”
The mum of two had planned her funeral while lying in intensive care, and recalled thinking her only life regret was that she “hadn’t given Warwick and the kids enough time”.
After recovering, she spoke about the “really horrendous” pain she suffered, but revealed that it was “the best thing” to happen to her because she had “been given a second chance” at life.
She said: “I was like, ‘Wow, I’ve got to change this’. We’re all so busy rushing around and working too hard, life is so crazy for everybody. I’ve now slowed down.
“I’m not going to miss a second with my family and I’m so grateful to everybody.”
The positive outlook was typical of Samantha, who had the most common type of dwarfism, achondroplasia, and faced many challenges.
She and Warwick — who married in 1991, three years after meeting on the set of fantasy film Willow — lost their first child, Lloyd, when he was just nine days old.
The tot had inherited dwarfism from both parents and his lungs had not formed properly.
Samantha told how the grief “hit us like a train”, but said they took comfort in knowing medics had “learned a lot” from their son which could help other families of kids with dwarfism.
She added: “We gave him everything we could. At Lloyd’s funeral, I was proud. I was his mum and how lucky was I?
"I had the best nine days ever. You have to turn it round like that.”
Samantha later told ITV chat show Loose Women: “It was really hard, but the best experience of my life as well. It made Warwick and I closer and stronger.”
She had time for everyone and a genuine listening ear
Warwick Davis
The couple endured more heartache in 1993 after Samantha miscarried at 20 weeks with son George. They later had children Annabelle and Harrison, now 27 and 21.
Warwick said: “The losses shaped our family dynamic. We love Annabelle and Harrison all that more because they’re here with us.”
Much of Samantha’s time was dedicated to her children, with pal Sam Carlisle writing online: “More than anything, you could see the pride she had in her family.”
Samantha and Warwick founded charity Little People UK In 2012, which offers friendship and support to families affected by dwarfism.
Warwick hailed his wife for helping people with the condition become confident and independent.
In yesterday’s tribute, he added: “She had time for everyone and a genuine listening ear.”
The longing to inspire others led Samantha and Warwick to appear on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories in 2015.
Samantha is also credited with being the driving force behind her husband’s TV career.
Warwick said: “Without Sammy there would have been no Tenable quiz show, no Willow series, no Idiot Abroad series 3.”
Samantha would often post about Warwick online, uploading happy anniversary photos from around the world. And she would share his loyal fans’ comments and videos.
On a post marking their 32nd wedding anniversary, she wrote: “Love you more than anything and so proud to be your wife! My best friend and my world.”
The couple’s last photo together showed them beaming in a hotel room in October, with Warwick praising his “beautiful wife”.
But he didn’t always need to declare his feelings with words.
Ahead of Samantha’s passing, he claimed they understood each other on a level few were lucky enough to know, adding: “Without sounding too spiritual, we feed each other’s souls.
“We don’t always need to say what we’re thinking, we just know it.”
By Sam Carlisle
SAMMY DAVIS had a big personality, brimming with kindness and humour.
It was an honour to know someone so determined to help others.
Nothing was too much trouble, despite the fact her condition meant she was often in pain.
She told me how important starting Little People UK was to her.
She wanted to use her experience to make life better for all disabled children and their families.
Warwick was the love of her life. What an extraordinary life.
Go well, Sammy and, as you always signed off on your messages, love and hugs.
