Jeweller tells of romance with actress

"We both have strong feelings for each other," he said. "It's like two worlds colliding. We are almost from two different planets and it is very difficult to achieve the right balance between our lives.

"But our time together is very special."

Speaking from London, where she is starring in the musical Taboo, written by Boy George, Gemma said: "Everything is great. We see each other whenever we can and talk on the phone every day."

Odin, who 19 years ago changed his name by deed poll from Gary Womack to that of a Viking god because of his love for Norse mythology, has his own special pet name for the actress and singer.

"I call her my dancing leaf," he said.

"I was reading about people having soul names that reflect their character and I mentioned to Gemma that she reminds me of a leaf dancing in the wind."

At Christmas one of his presents to her was a special necklace with a design called, appropriately enough, dancing leaf.

In spite of Gemma's hectic schedule and the distance between them, the relationship is strong.

Gemma has been to the Blackburn area several times to stay with Odin when she can, including at New Year.

"The thing I enjoy most about coming up to Blackburn is getting to be with Odin, but that goes without saying," said Gemma.

"The other thing is the fresh air which is wonderful. I always have a lovely time when I'm up there, it's like real life.

"He's even got me climbing up mountains."

The unlikely romance between the jeweller and the West End star has blossomed after the couple met through a mutual friend, Shirley Mason, a former employee at Odin's Vall Hall Jewellers on King William Street.

"Shirley left the shop to try to make a go of it in the theatre and got a part in 42nd Street in which Gemma had the lead role," said Odin.

"They became good friends and as the show toured the country they shared digs. I used to go and visit Shirley and got to know Gemma through her."

Although they got on well, Odin never dreamed that a romance would develop.

"At the time I had just come through a divorce and Gemma was married. Then I heard that she was going to get a divorce.

"I knew what she was about to go through emotionally and I told her that if we started going out together it would just muddy the waters."

For the next two years the couple kept in touch through Christmas cards and the odd letter.

Then, last March, Gemma began a national tour in the leading role in Anything Goes. The show opened in Blackpool and she invited Odin along.

"Time had moved on and she was in Blackpool for two weeks.

"Even then I didn't think anything would come of it," he said, "but obviously it has.

"I've told Gemma that it's like going out with a football team as when she's in a touring show she can go from one end of the country to another.

"I suppose it's a very strange relationship, very much a telephone romance.

"I'm a jeweller in Blackburn who works during the day and she's an actress who works at night.

"I live up north, she lives in the south. But when you like someone you just have to give it a chance and see how it goes.

"We are very different people. I'm all walks in the countryside and she's posh restaurants, although when she has been to stay she has found it extremely relaxing."

Odin was at Gemma's side for the opening night of her new show, at The Venue off Leicester Square in the heart of London's theatreland, which will stay in the capital until July.

This means the couple will have to continue a long-distance romance, but it's something that neither of them see as being a particular problem.

The glamour of the West End and showbiz life is something Odin is gradually coming to terms with.

"I had to buy a new suit to wear to go to parties with Gemma.

"I still can't get used to walking into a restaurant and photographers gathering to get your picture.

"I keep trying to hang back because I know they don't want to photograph me, but Gemma just grabs my arm."

Recent stories in the national press have made much of the fact that Gemma's ex-husband David Beamish still lives in the family home in West London until it is sold of as part of the divorce settlement, but Odin is left unconcerned by tabloid stories .

"Gemma's in the public eye, so I suppose you have to accept that. But I didn't like being referred to as a jeweller who 'bestows gems as if they were Ferrero Rochers chocolates'," he said.

As for the romance leading to marriage, Odin is diplomatic.

"I'm 46 and Gemma's 51," he said. "We're neither young kids.

"We've both got our careers and there's no real urgency about why we would need to get married.

"If we were both younger and wanted to start a family perhaps that would be different.

"I believe that you only get one life and that if you can find happiness then you should go for it."

Gemma added: "We are both enjoying the moment. Who knows what the future will bring?"