Keeley Hawes Reflects on Marriage to Matthew Macfadyen: 'We Don't Watch TV Together'

Keeley Hawes has offered a rare glimpse into her personal life with actor Matthew Macfadyen, revealing that despite their prominent careers in television, they do not watch shows together. The couple, who met on the set of the spy drama Spooks in 2002 and married in 2004, share two children: daughter Maggie, 21, and son Ralph, 20.

Hawes described her home life as relatively quiet, centered around activities such as walking their dogs, gardening, and practicing Pilates. This contrasts with the demanding roles she often undertakes on screen. Even Macfadyen's critically acclaimed work, such as his role in the acclaimed series "Succession," is not a shared viewing experience for the couple.

Now in her fifties, Hawes also addressed societal pressures regarding aging, stating that concerns about her appearance have diminished since reaching this milestone. She told The Times that she wishes she had not spent years worrying about superficial matters, realizing that "everyone's just worrying about themselves."

Reflecting on their long-term marriage, which reached 21 years in November, Hawes noted that it doesn't feel like that long. She attributes their happiness to a relaxed approach and the ability to navigate life's ups and downs. With their children now grown, the couple prioritizes spending time together, including traveling.

The path to their union was not without its complexities. Macfadyen has previously spoken about the difficulty of falling for Hawes, who was married when they first met on the set of "Spooks." He described the realization of his feelings as "awful" but emphasized that their relationship developed slowly and ethically, without an affair.

Hawes confirmed that she and Macfadyen did not begin a romantic relationship until her previous marriage had ended. She recalled Macfadyen's declaration of love occurring spontaneously one day, leading her to accept that their relationship was progressing. Her divorce from DJ Spencer McCallum was finalized in 2004, and Hawes has maintained a positive relationship with her ex-husband, noting that he and Macfadyen get along well.

The couple eloped in November 2004. Macfadyen recounted the simple yet romantic ceremony, which involved close friends as witnesses. Hawes was pregnant with their daughter at the time. Their daughter Maggie was born the following month, and their son Ralph arrived two years later in 2006.