Fans of Foyle’s War know her as the dependable Samantha Stewart, but Honeysuckle Weeks has a story beyond the screen that’s far less scripted. In July 2016, the British actress disappeared for nearly a week, sparking a police search and headlines around the world. Here’s what actually happened, where she is now, and what we still don’t know.
Born: 1 August 1979 ·
Known for: Foyle’s War ·
Disappeared: July 2016 ·
Found: 29 July 2016 ·
Children: 1
Quick snapshot
- Born 1 August 1979 in Cardiff, Wales (Wikipedia entry)
- Best known for playing Samantha Stewart in Foyle’s War (BBC News report)
- Went missing in July 2016 and was found safe on 29 July 2016 (BBC News report)
- Married Lorne Stormonth-Darling in July 2007 (IMDb profile)
- Whether she is still married to Lorne Stormonth-Darling (Wikipedia entry claims marriage ended 2019, but no official confirmation)
- Exact details of her 2016 disappearance (police never released specifics)
- Current projects beyond a 2023 stage production
- 2002–2015: Starred in Foyle’s War
- July 2016: Reported missing, then found safe
- 2023: Returned to stage in The Trial
- Continued stage work (WhatsOnStage profile active in 2025)
- Potential return to television (WhatsOnStage profile)
- Advocacy around mental health (bipolar disorder diagnosis) (WhatsOnStage profile)
Six key facts, and one pattern: Honeysuckle Weeks’ public life is defined by a single iconic role and a brief, frightening disappearance that still raises questions.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Honeysuckle Susan Weeks |
| Birth Date | 1 August 1979 |
| Birthplace | Cardiff, Wales, UK |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Notable Role | Samantha Stewart in Foyle’s War |
What has happened to the actress Honeysuckle Weeks?
Honeysuckle Weeks, born 1 August 1979 in Cardiff, built her reputation on ITV’s Foyle’s War, where she played Samantha Stewart for 13 years. But in July 2016, the actress made headlines for a different reason. Sussex Police reported her missing after she was last seen in Chichester, about 14 miles from her home in Petworth (BBC News report).
A missing-person alert for a beloved TV actress triggered a week of anxious headlines. The resolution – safe and sound at a relative’s home – was a relief but left many unanswered questions about her well-being.
The implication: Weeks’ disappearance remains a public mystery, but it has shaped how she is perceived beyond her acting career.
Is Honeysuckle Weeks still alive?
Yes. Honeysuckle Weeks is alive and remains active in the entertainment industry. After the 2016 scare, she returned to public life and has since appeared in stage productions and on social media (WhatsOnStage profile).
Was Honeysuckle Weeks ever found?
She was found safe and well on 29 July 2016. Sussex Police confirmed that she was located at a relative’s address in London at about 19:45 BST, and remained with officers until 22:45 BST before being returned to West Sussex (BBC News report). Her sister, actress Perdita Weeks, posted on social media that Honeysuckle was “safe and sound” (The Independent report). No foul play was suspected, and police released no further details about the circumstances.
The speed and secrecy of the resolution meant the public never learned what led to the disappearance. For Weeks, the incident coincided with a period of severe mental health struggles that would later become public.
The pattern: A high‑profile search ended with a private resolution, leaving unanswered questions that still linger.
Is Honeysuckle Weeks still with her husband?
Honeysuckle Weeks married Lorne Stormonth-Darling in July 2007 (IMDb profile). They have one child, a son named Wade Stormonth-Darling. According to Wikipedia entry, the marriage ended in 2019 (Wikipedia entry), but no official confirmation from either party has been published. The couple have not publicly commented on their relationship status, and Weeks does not appear to share details of her personal life on social media.
How many children does Honeysuckle Weeks have?
She has one child, a son born around 2008. Her IMDb profile lists Wade Stormonth-Darling as her child (IMDb profile). Earlier reports that she had two children appear to be unsubstantiated.
What does Honeysuckle Weeks look like now?
Photographs from 2024 and 2025 show Weeks with longer dark hair, a mature appearance, and no drastic physical changes. She has been photographed at theatre rehearsals and public events, notably in March 2025 by BroadwayWorld (BroadwayWorld photo). She appears healthy and engaged with her work.
What is Honeysuckle Weeks doing now?
Weeks continues to act. Her most recent known project was a 2023 stage production of The Trial, and she maintains an active presence on sites like WhatsOnStage profile and BroadwayWorld. In 2024 and 2025, she has been seen in rehearsal and performance contexts. She also occasionally posts on social media, sharing updates about her career and family.
In a revealing interview with The Telegraph, Weeks disclosed that she lost the chance to play Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown because she was “on the verge of mania” and “about to have the first of my psychotic episodes” during the casting period (The Telegraph interview). She has since been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has been admitted to psychiatric care six times (AOL article). Her candidness about mental health has become a significant part of her public narrative.
Weeks’ openness about her bipolar disorder has humanised her in the public eye, but it also means her career decisions are now viewed through a mental health lens – a double-edged sword for any actor seeking steady work.
The catch: Honesty may limit some opportunities, but it has redefined Weeks’ public identity beyond a single TV role.
Timeline
- 1 August 1979 – Born in Cardiff, Wales (IMDb profile)
- 2002–2015 – Starred as Samantha Stewart in Foyle’s War (BBC News report)
- July 2007 – Married Lorne Stormonth-Darling (IMDb profile)
- July 2016 – Reported missing, found safe on 29 July (BBC News report)
- 2019 – Marriage reportedly ended (Wikipedia entry)
- 2023 – Performed in stage production The Trial (WhatsOnStage profile)
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Honeysuckle Weeks was born 1 August 1979. (IMDb profile)
- She played Samantha Stewart in Foyle’s War. (BBC News report)
- She was reported missing in July 2016 and found safe on 29 July 2016. (BBC News report)
- She married Lorne Stormonth-Darling in 2007. (IMDb profile)
- She has one son. (IMDb profile)
Still uncertain
- Whether she is still married to Lorne Stormonth-Darling.
- Exactly why she went missing in 2016.
- What her next acting projects are beyond 2023.
- Whether she has any upcoming film or television roles beyond stage work.
Key quotes
I was on the verge of mania, about to have the first of my psychotic episodes.
— Honeysuckle Weeks, on losing The Crown role, The Telegraph interview
She has been found safe and sound.
— Perdita Weeks, sister, The Independent report
Honeysuckle Weeks has navigated the collision of fame, mental illness, and a very public disappearance. For the actress, the path forward is defined not by a single TV role but by her willingness to speak openly about bipolar disorder – a choice that may cost her some parts but has already reshaped how the industry views her. For her audience, the implication is clear: Weeks is no longer just Samantha Stewart, and that may be her most important role yet.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Honeysuckle Weeks?
She was born on 1 August 1979, making her 45 years old in 2025.
What is Honeysuckle Weeks’ real name?
Her full name is Honeysuckle Susan Weeks.
Where was Honeysuckle Weeks born?
She was born in Cardiff, Wales, UK.
What is Honeysuckle Weeks’ most famous role?
She is best known for playing Samantha Stewart (later Wainwright) in ITV’s Foyle’s War.
Did Honeysuckle Weeks appear in other TV shows after Foyle’s War?
Yes, she has appeared in The Bill, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Death in Paradise, Lewis, and The Five.
See also: Don Gilet: From EastEnders Villain to Death in Paradise Lead | Tom Cullen – Actor, Downton Abbey, Weekend, and Current Projects
Has Honeysuckle Weeks won any awards?
No major awards are listed on public databases. Her work has been recognised primarily through long-running roles.
What is Honeysuckle Weeks’ net worth?
Her net worth has not been publicly disclosed.
Oliver Jack Carter Cooper is a staff writer for EveningLedger.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Edward Langley and Managing Editor Charlotte Reeves, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.