Andrew Lloyd Webber found love with English equestrian Madeleine Gurdon in 1989.
The pair’s relationship was confirmed in 1990, six months after Webber’s divorce from his second wife, Sarah Brightman.
“I met Madeleine Gurdon in 1989 through mutual friends when my marriage to Sarah Brightman had [gotten] rocky,” Lloyd Webber wrote in his 2018 memoir, Unmasked, admitting that Brightman’s alleged affair with “the original Phantom keyboard player” led to problems in their marriage.
“Hugely fond of her as I still am, things weren’t the same for me after that,” he continued.
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Lloyd Webber was first married to Sarah Hugill from 1971 to 1983. He then tied the knot with Brightman in 1984 before the pair ultimately divorced in 1990. Lloyd Webber married Gurdon in 1991, and she has supported her husband throughout his EGOT-winning career and personal struggles.
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Gurdon:
Who Is Madeleine Gurdon?
Madeleine Gurdon was born to Brigadier Adam Gurdon, an officer in the Scottish military group called the Black Watch, and his wife, Gillian Thomson, whose father was also in the Black Watch, in 1962. Madeleine’s father’s work took his family around the world, including to Cyprus, Tanganyika and Hong Kong.
Madeleine was an equestrian competitor for nearly 10 years. She was a member of the Easton Harriers branch of The Pony Club in the U.K. and won the 1981 championships in eventing. Madeleine later became president of The Pony Club in 2010.
During her riding career, Madeleine designed a country-wear company named The Done Thing after her favorite dun horse. She also breeds championship horses on her two farms, Watership Down Stud near her home in Sydmonton Court and Kiltinan Castle in Ireland.
In addition to her riding career, Madeleine has dipped her toes into Andrew Lloyd Webber’s theater world as the director of Really Useful Group, her husband’s production company, and his LW Theatres company.
Do Andrew Lloyd Webber and Madeleine Gurdon Have Kids?
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Madeleine Gurdon welcomed son Alastair in 1992, followed by son William in 1993. The couple later welcomed daughter Isabella in 1996.
In addition to his kids with Madeleine, Lloyd Webber welcomed daughter Imogen and son Nicholas with Sarah Hugill. Nick died at age 43 in 2023 following an 18-month battle with gastric cancer.
“I am shattered to have to announce that my beloved elder son Nick died a few hours ago in Basingstoke Hospital,” Lloyd Webber wrote via social media at the time. “His whole family is gathered together and we are all totally bereft. Thank you for all your thoughts during this difficult time.”
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Andrew Lloyd Webber Credits Madeleine Gurdon With His Decision to Get Sober
In April 2026, Andrew Lloyd Webber revealed that he quit drinking after his substance abuse struggles had a negative effect on his family.
“You think it’s a secret, but it’s not. Everybody knows. I started getting into a downhill spiral,” the composer told The Times of London. “About 18 months ago, the family were in a desperate state. My wife was feeling she couldn’t go on.”
Lloyd Webber further described himself as a “recovering alcoholic.”
“Sixteen months ago I decided that I needed help and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” he continued, revealing that he sought treatment at an inpatient facility and began attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. “What I love about it is, you go into a room and everybody’s equal. I’ve made friends that I wouldn’t have thought possible.”
