TINA Malone has revealed her late husband Paul Chase tragically took his own life.
The Shameless star has said she will ‘never get over it’ as she confirmed his death by suicide.
Opening up following his shock passing two months ago, Tina has blamed PTSD from the army for Paul’s tragic death.
Speaking for the first time, Tina told The Mirror: “I’ve not spoken about this publicly until this minute.
“It’s the first time I’ve said it and confirmed it. Paul did commit suicide. I believe in transparency.”
She added: “I’ll never get over it. I miss him so badly and I love him so much. One thing I know… he’s in a better place than here.”
Paul, who was just 42, was a former member of the 22nd Regiment of the Cheshires, with his service placing him in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Ireland and Belize.
Tina emotionally recounted how she “just knew” Paul had died when he didn’t come home and the police knocked on her door.
“Paul hadn’t come home the previous night. I heard sirens, saw flashing blue lights, and I knew,” she explained.
I’ll never get over it. I miss him so badly and I love him so much
Tina Malone
In a bid to help other men suffering Tina is launching a charity in Paul’s memory, called Paul’s Flame on his birthday, May 28.
Tina and Paul married for the first time in 2010 after dating for two years, and welcomed daughter Flame when Tina was 50 years old.
Tina also has another daughter named Danielle from a previous relationship.
Recounting the past 12 months that were “hell” Tina said Paul’s self-worth declined when his work helping troubled teens dried up.
She told The Mirror: “The last 12 months were hell, a rapid downward progression.
“He was using prescription drugs and cocaine, he borrowed money and he lied. He was desperate.”
Who was Tina Malone's husband Paul Chase?
Tina married her personal trainer husband Paul Chase in 2010 and he was 19 years her junior.
The couple welcomed a daughter together through IVF when Tina was 50.
Flame was born on 15 December in 2013.
In 2017 Tina revealed that she wanted to become a mum again with Paul – and would choose the sex of her baby.
She told The Sunday Mirror: “Some will say I am selfish and irresponsible for having another child at 54.
“They will moralise and abuse me – even more so for selecting the sex of our baby – and everyone is entitled to their opinion.
“But I don’t give two f***s for what they think.”
Tragic passing
Tina first announced Paul’s passing in a social media post to her fans.
Grief-stricken Tina wrote on X: “It’s with total heartbreak I write this my husband Paul chase Malone passed away this morning we are totally devastated.”
She was flooded with support from her fans as well as celeb friends who rushed to share their sympathies.
Final goodbye
Last month Tina held a private funeral in Liverpool for Paul that was also attended by his army colleagues.
Tina was comforted by loved ones as she cut a sombre figure for the removal.
Putting on a brave face, she wore a black dress featuring white polka dots under a black fur jacket along with a black hat and handbag.
Pallbearers removed Paul’s coffin from his home before placing it into the back of a waiting hearse for his final journey.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans,www.samaritans.org, 116 123