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Ruth Dodsworth, known for presenting the weather on ITV Wales since 2000, has opened up about the pain she endured during Christmas with her abusive ex-husband. Reflecting on those times, the 50-year-old recalled how the festive period worsened the challenges faced by people living with domestic violence, particularly when alcohol was involved. Her ex-spouse, Jonathan Wignall, aged 54, was sentenced to prison in 2021 following a prolonged nine-year ordeal of harassment and stalking throughout their marriage. Dodsworth mentioned that the best part of Christmas Day was when Wignall became intoxicated to the point of passing out, giving her brief moments of peace with her children.
The emotional toll of living with Wignall was profound. “I never knew who I was going to come home to, Jekyll or Hyde,” said Dodsworth, who met him in 2001, a year after starting her role at ITV Wales. She described how the festive season added pressure to maintain a joyful atmosphere, which was complicated by her ex-husband’s drinking, a trigger for his aggressive behaviour. This created a daunting environment, making Christmas a particularly difficult time for her and many others facing similar circumstances.
Dodsworth and Wignall married in 2002, but roughly eight years into their marriage, after relocating from Swansea to Cowbridge, his controlling tendencies intensified. At this period, Dodsworth had become the primary earner in the family as her husband’s nightclub venture faltered. She spoke on BBC Radio Wales about the unpredictability and fear that marked their relationship, stating that the violence could strike at any moment and that she dreaded Christmas Day because of Wignall’s early drinking. Her family would also tread carefully around him due to their fear.
The moments after guests left were especially frightening for Dodsworth, as she was then alone with her husband. The times when he passed out were a rare relief, allowing her some time without fear to be with her children. Though she felt guilt for not leaving the situation sooner, she acknowledged that not wanting to publicly admit the reality of her marriage held her back. Ultimately, Dodsworth recognized that escaping the abusive relationship was life-saving, saying, “My life was saved because I got out – I asked for help and set those wheels in motion. It wasn’t easy, but I did it.”
Stephanie Grimshaw, head of public affairs and communications at Welsh Women’s Aid, emphasized the prevalence of domestic abuse, noting that one in four women experience it in England and Wales. She explained that, while the organisation’s helpline tends to be quieter during Christmas, a significant increase in calls is seen in January, as many survivors are unable to seek help during the festive period. Grimshaw highlighted the importance of support networks in providing a safe space for those affected to reach out for assistance during and after the holidays
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