Actor Craig Parkinson, best known for his role as DI Matthew 'Dot' Cottan in the BBC police drama Line of Duty, has revealed he secretly married his fiancée, Katie Popperwell, this summer. Parkinson, 50, announced the news on Instagram on Saturday.
The couple tied the knot in July at Old Marylebone Town Hall with close friends and family present. Parkinson described the wedding as "the most magical day of our lives," though the celebration was not without its challenges. The night before the ceremony, Parkinson's phone was stolen at Paddington station. Additionally, the couple nearly canceled the wedding after struggling to find a venue for lunch, eventually finding a place at Clipstone Restaurant.
Parkinson shared details of the day in an Instagram post, writing, "Back in July Katie and I were married at Old Marylebone Town Hall with our family and a few close friends. We originally wanted to do something bigger but mid-life is complicated, right? It really was a perfect day."
He also thanked friends who played roles in the celebration, including actor Kenny Doughty for helping with his nerves, director Kieron Hawkes for serving as wedding photographer, and Eden Keane as Maid of Honour. Parkinson also noted a friendly competition between his best man, Neil, and Keane over their speeches.
Parkinson and Popperwell, who reportedly began dating around 2023, became engaged in September 2024 when Popperwell proposed to him. The actor was previously married to actress Susan Lynch for 12 years before their separation was announced in 2019. They share a son together.
Parkinson's character, DI Matthew 'Dot' Cottan, was a central figure in Line of Duty, portrayed as a corrupt officer within the anti-corruption unit AC-12. The character was killed off in the show's third series after his identity as "The Caddy" was revealed. The BBC has confirmed that Line of Duty will return for a seventh series next year.