Rafe Spall and his partner Esther Smith displayed their off-screen romance for all to see on Monday night at a special screening in London. The event celebrated Spall's upcoming crime drama miniseries, Under Salt Marsh, which is set to premiere on January 30.
A Real-Life Love Story
The couple, who met on the set of the Apple TV+ comedy Trying, went public with their relationship in November 2022. Their on-screen chemistry as prospective parents Jason and Nikki clearly blossomed into something more. At the BAFTA 195 Piccadilly venue, Rafe, 42, was photographed sweetly kissing Esther, 40, on the forehead on the red carpet.
Spall cut a dapper figure in a green double-breasted blazer paired with a polka-dot tie. Smith opted for a chic black jumper dress, which she layered over a sheer sequinned skirt and finished with heeled boots.
New Series and Co-Star Support
They were not alone at the event. Spall's co-star in the new series, Kelly Reilly, 48, also attended, looking glamorous in a plunging lace top and flared trousers. In Under Salt Marsh, Spall takes on the role of Detective Eric Bull. The drama is set in a tight-knit Welsh community and follows teacher and former detective Jackie Ellis, played by Reilly, who discovers the body of her eight-year-old pupil, Cefin.
The shocking find revives the ghost of an unsolved cold case from three years prior: the disappearance of Jackie's niece, Nessa, which cost Jackie her career.
From Screen Romance to Growing Family
The couple's real-life relationship has continued to flourish since they confirmed it. In May 2024, they announced they were expecting a child during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine. By November 2024, they were pictured for the first time with their new baby during a family day out in London.
Spall has been effusive about his relationship with Smith in interviews. In July 2022, he told Filmhounds, 'I get to hang out with Esther all day. We really get on. She's my favourite person I've ever done acting with.' He later told Nerds That Geek that while fans enjoy their chemistry, 'they won't enjoy it as much as we do.'
Fans of the pair can look forward to seeing them together on screen again, as Trying has been renewed for a fifth series on Apple TV+, although a release date is yet to be confirmed. The fourth season saw their characters navigating parenthood with an adopted teenage daughter.
