Peter Capaldi Makes Rare Comments About Working with 'Frank' Wife Elaine Collins
Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi appeared on the latest episode of This Morning, where he spoke candidly about working with his wife, Elaine Collins, behind the scenes. The star, known for keeping his private life out of the spotlight, opened up during Friday's edition of the ITV show, discussing their collaborative dynamic on the tense crime thriller Criminal Record.
A Behind-the-Scenes Partnership
The husband and wife duo team up on Apple TV+'s Criminal Record, where Peter plays London detective DCI Daniel Hegarty alongside Cush Jumbo as DS June Lenker. Elaine, who developed hit dramas like Vera on ITV and Shetland on the BBC, serves as an executive producer on the detective series, which is set to return for its second season on 22 April.
Speaking to presenters Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond on This Morning alongside his co-star Cush, Peter Capaldi was full of praise for his partner. Discussing their working relationship, Peter said: "It's fantastic. That's how I got the job. She's brilliant. It's great to have somebody there who can be very frank with you and say, 'You're not going to do it like that.'"
Mutual Admiration and Support
The hosts then asked Cush whether Elaine is harsher on Peter than on other cast members. She replied: "I think so, but I've got to be honest, Elaine is the most amazing observer of what we're doing, and she's always right." Peter added, "She is always right," highlighting the trust and respect in their professional bond.
Elaine has also sung Peter's praises regarding his work on Criminal Record. She previously told Radio Times: "We genuinely had a great time and it was amazing to have that support system at work and at home." She added, "He's always a support system for me. Hand on heart, we're best friends."
From Acting to Producing: Elaine's Career Journey
Although she has credits behind the scenes, Elaine began as an actress, appearing in various TV and film roles, including Taggart and Play for Today, before building a successful career as a producer. In 2017, the now 67-year-old launched her own film production company, Tod Productions, which went on to produce Criminal Record for Apple TV+ in partnership with STV Studios.
A Long-Standing Personal and Professional Relationship
Peter and Elaine first met in the 1980s while performing in a touring production with the Paines Plough Theatre Company. They later married in 1991 and welcomed their only child, a daughter named Cecily, the following year. They’re now grandparents to Cecily’s two sons, who were reportedly born in 2021 and 2023.
As far as their collaborative work goes, the couple worked together on the 1992 romantic comedy Soft Top Hard Shoulder and the Oscar-winning 1995 short film Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life, which Peter wrote and directed. This longstanding partnership blends personal and professional elements seamlessly.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1, providing a platform for such intimate revelations from celebrities like Capaldi.
