Midlands actress Esther Smith has captured the heart of acclaimed actor Rafe Spall, star of Sky's new thriller Under Salt Marsh, with the couple now sharing both a professional partnership and a growing family.
A Public Declaration of Affection
During a recent appearance on Saturday Kitchen, Rafe Spall openly discussed his personal life while promoting his latest television role. The actor, who plays Detective Eric Bull in the gripping crime series Under Salt Marsh, made a charming reference to his partner when discussing the Black Country dialect required for his character.
"My partner, Esther Smith, is from the Black Country and my mother is from Cannock, so it was nice to have a go at doing that," Spall revealed during the broadcast. He later added with evident affection, "I just like it, my mom's got that accent and so does my lady!"
From Co-Stars to Life Partners
The romance between Rafe Spall and Esther Smith blossomed from their professional collaboration on Apple TV+'s popular series Trying, where they portray a couple navigating infertility challenges. In real life, their on-screen chemistry translated into a genuine connection that has now expanded beyond the television studio.
Esther Smith, originally from Stourbridge in the West Midlands, has established her own impressive acting credentials. Her career highlights include:
- Featured roles in BBC's sitcom Cuckoo and ITV2's comedy Cockroaches
- Original ensemble member of the blockbuster stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, where she played Delphi Diggory
- Lead role as Nikki in Apple TV+'s Trying opposite Rafe Spall's character Jason
A Growing Family Together
The couple welcomed their first child together in 2024, adding to Rafe Spall's existing family of three children from his previous relationship with actress Elize du Toit. Speaking to The Guardian before their baby's arrival, Spall expressed profound admiration for his partner.
"Not only is she my favourite person to act with, she's my favourite person to hang out with," he shared. "And now we're having a baby so it's great! It's my fourth child, and Esther's first. So a lot of amazing things have come from this show."
Professional Success and Personal Happiness
Rafe Spall's current professional project, Under Salt Marsh, represents another significant achievement in his career. The Sky Atlantic thriller, which airs on Fridays, follows Detective Eric Bull as he investigates the murder of a nine-year-old pupil in the fictional Welsh community of Morfa Halen.
The series co-stars Kelly Reilly as teacher Jackie Ellis, who discovers the child's remains in a water bank. For Spall, the role required mastering the distinctive Black Country accent - a challenge made easier by his personal connection to the region through both his mother and partner.
This public revelation about their relationship comes as both actors continue to build successful careers while navigating parenthood together. Their story represents a heartwarming example of how professional collaborations can sometimes blossom into meaningful personal connections that extend far beyond the television screen.
