BBC reporter Evan Davis' heartbreak after unexpected text on his wedding day

Evan Davis has revealed that his wedding came with some heartbreak after the BBC reporter found out his father Quintin had died by suicide that same day.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, Davis shared that his father, 92, had been fighting cancer before his death.

While celebrating his nuptials in London last year with two dozen friends and neighbours, the Radio 4 host recalled receiving a text from his brother prompting Davis to "call me ASAP".

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After hearing of his father's death, the reporter shared the news with his husband and later with the guests.

"We've just had some news," Davis told guests at the time. "My father died. But I don't want you to be alarmed. He was very elderly and it was definitely time."

He added: "There's actually nothing we can do. So I'm going to propose that we carry on."

Davis admitted that the occasion turned into "a very warm-hearted, supportive, reflective day" however it wasn't until after the wedding that Davis shared more details of his father's death with the guests.

Prior to Quintin's death, Davis explained his dad was very supportive of his relationship.

The wedding comes over 10 years after Davis and his now-husband Guillaume Baltz celebrated a civil partnership ceremony in which Quintin made a "proud and loving" speech.

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Davis says he was aware of his father's mental health issues.

The journalist explained Quintin had emailed his three sons some time last year with suicidal ideations.

However, Davis couldn't understand why his father chose his wedding day to do it.

"We've all speculated on what the hell was going on in his head... there's no good day, is there?" he said. "And I know he didn't do it to spoil our day."

Quintin left behind messages for his sons and his wife of 65 years, Hazel, who has been living in a care home since 2020 when she started to show signs of dementia.

"Having been together for 65 years, suddenly being on his own at home was a big deal... I think he felt guilt at not being able to look after her," Davis said of his father.

With his wife in mind, Quintin left some fresh clothes to be taken to her care home and money to cover the gardener's weekly wages.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, visit rightbyyou.org.au, call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.