Rafe Spall's Personal and Professional Life in the Spotlight
Rafe Spall, celebrated for his roles in popular series like Trying and the new Sky crime drama Under Salt Marsh, has captivated audiences not only with his acting but also with his high-profile romance. The star recently opened up about his famous actress girlfriend, Esther Smith, during an appearance on Saturday Kitchen, sparking interest among fans.
Under Salt Marsh: A Gripping New Thriller
In Under Salt Marsh, Spall portrays police detective Eric Bull, who investigates the murder of a nine-year-old schoolboy named Cefin Hill in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen. The drama, which airs on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Fridays, features Kelly Reilly as teacher Jackie Ellis, who discovers the body. Spall had to master a Black Country accent for the role, drawing inspiration from his personal connections.
Inspiration from Close to Home
During his Saturday Kitchen interview, Spall explained, "He's from the Black Country which was a fun thing to do. 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." He added, "I just like it, my mom's got that accent and so does my lady!" This personal touch adds depth to his performance in the thriller.
Esther Smith: A Talented Actress and Partner
Esther Smith, hailing from Stourbridge in the West Midlands, is an accomplished actress in her own right. Her credits include:
- BBC's comedy Cuckoo
- ITV2 comedy Cockroaches
- The original cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, playing Delphi Diggory
She and Spall also star together in the Apple TV+ series Trying, where they play a couple dealing with infertility. Their on-screen chemistry translates to real life, as they welcomed their first child together in 2024.
A Growing Family and Career Milestones
Spall and Smith began their relationship in 2022 after his split from ex-wife Elize du Toit, with whom he shares three children. In a 2024 interview with The Guardian, Spall gushed about Smith, saying, "Not only is she my favourite person to act with, she's my favourite person to hang out with. 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."
This blend of professional success and personal joy highlights Spall's current chapter, making him a relatable figure both on and off the screen. As Under Salt Marsh continues to air, fans can enjoy his compelling performance while celebrating his real-life happiness with Smith.
