Heartbeat star Tricia Penrose, 56, marries the ‘love of her life’ in romantic Lancashire marriage ceremony ceremony – 4 years after divorcing the daddy of her two youngsters

Heartbeat star Tricia Penrose appeared to take a swipe at her ex-husband Mark Simpkin when walking down the aisle for a second time in a lavish ceremony at Briars Hall Country Club in Lancashire on Saturday.

The actress, 56, took to X with a slew of loved-up snaps as she posed alongside her new husband Chris Hargreaves, who she declared was the ‘love of her life’.

Tricia, who played barmaid Gina Bellamy in the ITV soap from 1993-2010, looked gorgeous in a white lace bridal gown which boasted a Bardot neckline, fitted bodice and full princess skirt.

She completed the look with a veil while groom Chris suited and booted in a light green suit which he teamed with a crisp white shirt and dark tie. 

The actress captioned the post: ‘Married the love of my life yesterday’. 

Fans and friends were quick to share their congratulations, gushing: ‘Did you say yes in a heartbeat?’: ‘Congratulations xxx’: ‘You look amazing, congratulations to both of you’: ‘Congratulations to you both! Wishing you many happy years together’.

Heartbeat star Tricia Penrose appeared to take a swipe at her ex-husband Mark Simpkin when walking down the aisle for a second time in a lavish ceremony on Saturday.

The newlyweds went Instagram official back in 2021, shortly after her divorce from ex-husband Mark was revealed. 

Their relationship went from strength yo strength and last summer Chris proposed during a sun-soaked holiday in Tenerife. 

Tricia and ex Mark, with whom she shares sons Jake, 22, and Freddy, 17, split after 18-years of marriage.

A source told The Sun at the time: ‘They decided to go their separate ways after realising they had grown apart and it would be better for everyone that they ended the marriage.

The couple married in 2003 after a picturesque ceremony at Adlington Hall in Cheshire. 

They went on to renew their vows in 2013, with the actress saying at the time that the event was a ‘celebration’ a decade together.

The former couple met when they both attended the National Television Awards in 2001. 

They dated for three years before tying the knot in Cheshire and jetting off to Bermuda for a tropical honeymoon. 

Mark told Northern Life Magazine in 2015: ‘I know this sounds really tacky, but as well as Tricia being my wife, she’s also my best friend. We don’t fall out; we work well as a team,’

Tricia shot to fame with her role in Heartbeat. She also appeared in spin-off show The Royal as well as soaps Brookside, Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

The actress has also appeared on Comic Relief Does Fame Academy as well as Celebrity Big Brother in 2013 where she was evicted in the semi-final. 

Tricia and ex Mark, with whom she shares sons Jake, 22, and Freddy, 17, split after 18-years of marriage in 2021 (pictured 2008)

The newlyweds went Instagram offical back in 2021, shortly after her divorce from ex-husband Mark was revealed.

Fans and friends were quick to share their congratulations, gushing: ‘Did you say yes in a heartbeat?’: ‘Congratulations xxx’: ‘You look amazing, congratulations to both of you’

The couple wed at Briars Hall Country House Hotel in Lancashire (pictured) 

She has since moved into radio presenting and works on Radio Wirral. 

Clearly hugely proud of her time on the 60s drama, her Instagram account bio still reads: ‘I played the part of Gina in ITV’s Heartbeat for 18 years.’

The Liverpool-born star quickly became a pin-up after playing pub worker Gina in the Aidensfield Arms in the show.

When her uncle, the pub’s owner, died in the series, she became landlady – and went on to wed local bobby PC Phil Bellamy (Mark Jordan).

The arrival of their son, Philip, brought series 17 to a heartwarming end.