Dame Joan Collins reveals the secrets to her successful marriage
Maybe fifth time’s the charm? After divorcing four previous husbands, Dame Joan Collins says she has finally found the secrets to a happy marriage.
In an exclusive interview with The Mail on Sunday Life the first secret, she shared, is banishing your other half to another room if they snore.
The legendary stage and screen star also revealed honesty and giving compliments are also important factors in keeping a marriage successful, as is sharing the housework.
“Percy and I manage our lives together, even down to household chores. We don’t have live-in staff,” Dame Joan revealed.
Giving an open and hilarious insight into her 18-year marriage to her fifth husband, 52-year-old theatre manager Percy Gibson, Dame Joan, 84, explained, “We are together 24/7 except when he snores, and I say, ‘Darling, I think it’s best that you sleep in the guest room tonight.’”
Another secret to Dame Joan and Percy’s successful marriage? The couple’s bathroom arrangements.
Agreeing with fellow film star Michael Caine, the actress shared, “Michael once said the secret to a happy marriage is separate bathrooms. I know most people don’t have that luxury, but in our homes, and whenever possible in hotels, we try to keep to that rule. It really does make a difference."
But their marriage and living arrangements aren’t always amicable. “Of course, we get irritated with each other, but we are quick to say sorry and we don’t have any secrets,” Dame Joan admitted.
“We compliment each other all the time but I’m also quick to point out if he’s getting a bit of a tummy, and he will say if I’ve gone a bit OTT [over the top] with the glitz.”
Dame Joan added, “Percy loves me best when we are at home together – me without makeup and him unshaven and in his tracksuit bottoms.”
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