James Buckley, the actor famed for playing Jay Cartwright in The Inbetweeners, has opened up about the one simple secret that has kept his marriage to wife Clair strong for over a decade. The couple, who tied the knot in 2012 and are parents to two sons, attribute their lasting union to a fundamental principle of partnership.
The Simple Phrase That Strengthens A Marriage
According to James and Clair Buckley, the cornerstone of their happy marriage is the act of 'sharing the load'. The pair, both 38, explained that maintaining a balanced partnership in daily chores and responsibilities has been crucial. Clair offered a specific example, stating that the four most important words in any marriage are 'I'll do the dishes'.
She elaborated that nothing demonstrates love more clearly than a partner who willingly shares domestic duties. While she joked that James sometimes needs a gentle reminder and is more inclined to take out the bins, their collaborative approach makes their relationship work. Beyond chores, they highlighted other vital factors for a healthy relationship, including maintaining a strong friendship, sharing laughter, and deliberately clearing their Friday nights to spend quality time together.
The Lingerie Incident That Nearly Caused A Split
The couple also candidly revisited a moment in 2023 when their marriage almost hit the rocks over a mysterious pair of women's underwear. The drama unfolded when Clair, while emptying the washing machine, discovered a pair of silk-and-bow-adorned pants that did not belong to her.
She immediately confronted James, who was equally baffled. His panicked suggestion that the lingerie might belong to Clair's sister, who had recently visited, only escalated the situation, as Clair was certain they were not her sister's. With no plausible explanation, a furious Clair stormed out, leaving James fearing the worst.
'I sat in the room thinking "this is going to be it,"' James confessed. 'She’s gonna divorce me and I am going to spend the rest of my life thinking "where the f**k did those pants come from!"' After ten tense minutes, a text reply from Clair's sister confirmed the pants were indeed hers, defusing the crisis. Clair admitted, 'I nearly left James!'—a sentiment he fully understood given the circumstances.
Family First: Buckley's Shift From Acting Focus
Alongside discussing his marriage, James Buckley has been refreshingly honest about his current career priorities. Despite a new film, 'Mother's Pride', with Martin Clunes due for release, the actor revealed he no longer possesses a strong drive to act.
During an appearance on ITV's James Martin's Saturday Kitchen, he stated he isn't 'desperate' for new roles. 'My favourite thing to do is to be at home,' Buckley explained. 'It's got all my favourite people there, it's got all my stuff there.' This home-centric focus aligns with the couple's successful ventures, including their joint YouTube series and James's lucrative work on the celebrity greetings platform Cameo, which is thought to have earned him over £1 million.
The Buckleys, parents to sons Harrison, 11, and nine-year-old Jude, continue to navigate life and partnership with humour and a practical commitment to sharing both the triumphs and the laundry.
