Richard E. Grant hosts a four-part series for Channel 4 exploring the world of The OdysseyRichard E. Grant has said becoming a widower has made him “acutely aware of loss and survival”. The actor’s wife, Joan Washington, died in September 2021 after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Grant’s wife, Joan Washington, died of lung cancer in 2021 (Ian West/PA)Speaking about the show’s themes of endurance and loss, Grant, 69, said: “I’m a widower, so am acutely aware of loss and survival. Grant and Washington married in 1986 and had a daughter Olivia, 37, and a stepson, Tom, from Washington’s previous relationship. Grant and Washington married in 1986 (Ian West/PA)The actor also spoke about the romanticisation of the Mediterranean in literature and film.