Acclaimed British actor Martin Freeman, known for iconic roles in Sherlock and The Office, has navigated a notably private personal life amidst his public career. While now happily settled with a younger partner, his past long-term relationship with actress Amanda Abbington remains a significant chapter, marked by both professional collaboration and a supportive dynamic post-split.
A New Chapter with Rachel Benaissa
Martin Freeman, 54, has been in a relationship with French actress and writer Rachel Benaissa for over five years. The couple, who met around 2020, maintain a largely low-profile existence, though Benaissa has supported Freeman at events like the Olivier Awards and the premiere of his Netflix series Seven Dials Mystery.
Benaissa, believed to be around 31, is 23 years younger than Freeman. Her career includes a role in the BBC's Normal People and the Netflix film Irish Wish. Beyond acting, she is a writer focusing on themes like mental health. A sign of their committed partnership is their joint venture, the production company One Trick Pone, which has two initial projects in development.
Freeman has offered rare glimpses into their life together, revealing on the Table Manners podcast that they enjoy cooking. He has also mentioned visiting a Sherlock-themed escape room with Benaissa and his two children from his previous relationship.
Past Partnership with Amanda Abbington
Before his current relationship, Freeman was in a 16-year relationship with fellow actress Amanda Abbington. The pair met in 2000 on the set of Men Only and share two children: Joe, 19, and Grace, 16. They famously starred together as Mary Morstan and Dr John Watson in the BBC's Sherlock.
Abbington has spoken candidly about the difficult split, admitting it left her in a "a mess" mentally and led to intense self-loathing and suicidal thoughts. Despite the personal turmoil, they maintained professionalism, continuing to film Sherlock for six months before their separation became public knowledge.
Remarkably, the ex-couple have maintained an amicable relationship. Abbington, now engaged to escapologist Jonathan Goodwin, highlighted Freeman's support during her challenging time on Strictly Come Dancing in 2023.
Support During the Strictly Controversy
Amanda Abbington's participation in Strictly ended with her mid-series withdrawal and a subsequent complaint against her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice. She revealed that Martin Freeman was fiercely supportive during this period.
According to Abbington, Freeman apologised for her ordeal and expressed anger over her alleged treatment, telling her, "I want to kill him" and affirming her talent for the show. In 2024, a BBC investigation upheld six of her 17 complaints regarding Pernice's conduct, citing instances of inappropriate behaviour.
The BBC subsequently apologised to Abbington, thanking her for coming forward. A source close to her indicated she felt vindicated and hoped her actions would encourage others to speak out.
Today, Martin Freeman continues his successful acting career while balancing a private family life. His journey from a very public 16-year partnership to a quieter, committed relationship with Rachel Benaissa, all while fostering a supportive co-parenting dynamic with Amanda Abbington, paints a picture of a star who values both his craft and his personal connections deeply.
