Grace stars' weddings unveiled: John Simm's glam bride, Rakie Ayola's bump-skimming dress & more
Grace viewers may be used to following the ups and downs of fictional character DSI Roy Grace's love life, but much less is known about actor John Simm's real-life marriage.
He is one of several cast members who are happily married, and while there are rare photos of Rakie Ayola's Bridgerton-esque wedding dress, her co-star Clare Calbraith has only shared a peek inside her venue. Take a look at John Simm, Zoë Tapper, Craig Parkinson and more Grace stars' weddings…
John Simm
John Simm has been married to fellow Is Harry On The Boat? actress Kate Magowan for 19 years. The couple tied the knot in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire in April 2004 and although they have kept their relationship private, they later released pictures of Kate's strapless satin bridal gown.
The corset top featured subtle embellishments, and she finished off her A-line dress with a long veil secured into her updo.
Following their wedding, John and Kate welcomed two children, a son called Ryder and a daughter called Mollie.
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Zoë Tapper
Zoe Tapper, who plays Roy's love interest Senior Anatomical Pathology Technician Cleo Morey, married Mr Selfridge star Oliver Dimsdale in 2008, and she later admitted she immediately knew he was 'The One'.
"He was different to all the other guys I’d ever known. Mind you, when we met at a friend’s party he didn’t ask for my phone number immediately, which I’ve made him regret ever since! But once he asked me out, we did fall in love incredibly quickly," she told the MailOnline. And he got her mum's seal of approval too!
"Ollie and I hadn’t been going out long when I introduced him to my parents over
a restaurant dinner. As they were leaving, my mum looked at us and said, ‘Look after each other, for ever.’ I was like, ‘Mum! That’s a bit full-on!’ But looking back, of course she knew."
Craig Parkinson
Craig Parkinson split from his wife of 12 years Susan Lynch in 2019. The Grace star and the Sex Education actress kept their separation quiet until the following year when Craig's father Derek Parkinson told the MailOnline: "Yes, they have split up. It's very sad but Craig is okay, and people do know. They are trying to stay amicable, it's just one of those things." They continue to co-parent their son.
Craig made a rare comment about their relationship in 2016, stating they weren't communicating while living in London, before moving to Gloucestershire.
"My wife and I were watching some [expletive] like I'm a Celebrity in our flat in Camden, and realised we hadn't spoken to each other for ages. We decided to get rid, then we moved out of London. We've never looked back," he said.
Clare Calbraith
Clare Calbraith hasn't shared any photos of her bridal outfit, but she did share one peek inside her wedding day with a black and white snap of her famous singer.
"The wonderful Mark Umbers. I'm not saying my wedding singer was hotter than anyone else's but...you get my drift," she joked. Clare later paid tribute to her tattoo artist husband Nick Horn with a photo of them lying on the grass in sunny weather alongside the caption: "Happy anniversary, kid x."
Rakie Ayola
Rakie Ayola married her husband Adam Smethurst on 2 May 2004. The Casualty actor took to Instagram to share throwback photos of their big day to mark their anniversary, showing off Rakie's Bridgerton-esque corset gown with sheer sleeves and an empire waist – perhaps to hide her pregnancy on her wedding day.
She wore her hair in a high ponytail and carried yellow and blue flowers that tied in with her husband's velvet jacket. They have since welcomed two daughters – Tansy in July 2004, two months after their wedding, and Shani in January 2009.
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