She met actor
James Robertson Justice on the set of a film in 1961, and the couple fell
passionately in love. Her career was by then on the wane,
James Robertson Justice was
instrumental in securing the last 3 roles that she performed. She left
behind career and Pit Severin, her third husband, to live with him in
England. She became a British citizen in 1967, and changed her name to
Irina. A series of strokes gradually prevented
James Robertson Justice working and led
to his bankruptcy. Earning her living as a teacher at a local Language
School, Irina nursed him until his death in 1975. After 14 years of
living together, they were finally married on his deathbed in hospital.
She subsequently married his best friend and their neighbour, the
millionaire and philanthropist Keith "Toby" Bromley. She was a
passionate gardener and excellent cook, her rose garden at Ashley Manor
- the home she and Keith Bromley shared - was renowned locally as was
her extensive hospitality.
