Life after losing someone you deeply love is never easy, but sometimes, those we lose want us to find joy again.
That was the message Dame Deborah James, the beloved cancer campaigner, shared with her husband Sebastien Bowen before she passed away at just 40. Now, it seems Sebastien might be honoring that wish.
Recently, Sebastien was spotted enjoying a peaceful afternoon hand-in-hand with a mystery woman along the Thames in West London—showing signs that he’s slowly opening his heart once more.
A New Romance Along the Thames
Last week, the couple was seen strolling beside the river on a sunny day after a long, relaxed lunch at The River Cafe in Hammersmith, a spot known for its celebrity diners like Jamie Oliver and Gwyneth Paltrow.
The woman, elegantly dressed in a red outfit and sunglasses, appeared to be in her 30s.
She looked at Sebastien with warmth and affection, and to onlookers, it was clear they shared a special connection.
One passer-by remarked, “They looked really in love.
For anyone who admired Deborah’s spirit and outlook on life, it was so uplifting to see Sebastien smiling and happy again.”
Taking It Slow After Heartbreak
It’s no secret that life after Deborah’s passing has been challenging for Sebastien.
The couple had been together for many years, married in 2008, and shared two children.
Friends close to him say he’s been gently stepping back into dating since late last year.
“It’s still early days for Seb,” a source explained. “He’s taking his time, moving carefully.
Deborah was truly one of a kind, and it won’t be easy to follow her, but Seb knows she wanted him to find happiness again.”
Deborah’s Wishes and Her Playful Spirit
Dame Deborah was known for her fierce honesty and humor throughout her fight with bowel cancer, famously calling herself “Bowelbabe.”
She openly spoke about her hopes for Sebastien, describing him as a “very eligible bachelor” who would naturally attract attention.
She even joked about the kind of women he should avoid, promising to “haunt him” if he made a mistake.
But above all, Deborah encouraged Sebastien to find someone who could make him laugh the way they did together.
“I’ve given him strict instructions,” she said once. “I want him to move on.
Don’t be taken for a ride, don’t marry a bimbo—find someone who makes you happy.”
A Supportive Family and a New Chapter
Sebastien works as a banker with the private equity firm Pomona Capital.
Despite the heartbreak, his late wife’s family, including her mother Heather, have expressed their support for him moving forward.
In 2023, Heather reflected, “Deborah will always be hard to follow, but Seb has our blessing to find happiness again.”
For Sebastien, this new relationship may be the beginning of healing—a way to honor Deborah’s wishes and embrace life’s possibilities once more.