Leigh Lawson, 83, said continuing to work alongside his wife, model and actress Twiggy, 75, has helped sustain their marriage of more than four decades.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Lawson described keeping busy and collaborating on projects as central to their relationship, citing the recent stage musical Close-Up — based on Twiggy’s life — as an example of a shared success. "I think it's quite important to keep busy, I think that helps in your relationships," he said, adding that the couple "spend almost all of our time together" and "enjoy each other's company."

Lawson, who recently published a collection of autobiographical poems titled Now and Then, said his wife shows no sign of slowing down. He noted Twiggy was offered two Vogue covers in January and had returned from an appearance on Germany's Next Top Model. "I can't see her retiring," he said. "She's a ball of energy. I'm just so proud of her. She's 75 and still getting booked by Vogue."

The couple met in the 1980s after being introduced by actor Robert Powell and have been married for 42 years. Lawson reflected on the advantages of meeting later in life, saying greater respect and a willingness to compromise contribute to a durable partnership. He also credited humour as "probably the glue that holds it all together," adding, "We make each other laugh a lot."

Both had previous marriages: Lawson divorced in 1976, and Twiggy was widowed in 1983 following the death of her then-husband, Michael Witney. Lawson recalled the early days of their relationship in conversational detail, including an anecdote about Twiggy arriving at his house in a Jaguar two days after their dinner introduction and asking if he "wanted a cup of tea."

Lawson has an established acting résumé dating to the 1970s, with credits such as the television series Travelling Man and Silent Witness and film roles in Sister Moon and Tess. He described poetry as a long-standing interest and a form of therapy that helped him through difficult times. "I love what words can do," he said, explaining that the expressive power of language influenced his acting career and now underpins his new book.

The decision to publish the collection was influenced by the late composer and lyricist Leslie Bricusse, Lawson said. After reading an anecdote recounting director Billy Wilder's remark on his 92nd birthday — "I think I wasted my eighties" — Lawson said he took it as an impetus to pursue creative projects later in life. "We're all living longer and it's a time when you can fulfil your dreams and do things that you maybe didn't have a chance to do before," he said.

Now and Then is available from booksellers including Waterstones. Lawson framed continuing professional activity not only as personally fulfilling but as beneficial to his marriage, saying shared work, mutual respect and friendship helped sustain a relationship that has spanned decades.