Tessa Peake-Jones: Age, Husband, Net Worth, and Roles

For decades, Tessa Peake-Jones has been a familiar face on British television, but for many viewers she will always be Raquel Turner, Del Boy’s long-suffering girlfriend in Only Fools and Horses. Yet her career stretches far beyond that iconic sitcom — from the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice to the ITV period drama Grantchester, where she has played Mrs. Catherine Chapman since 2014.

Age: 67 (born 9 May 1957) · Birthplace: Hammersmith, London, England · Spouse: Douglas Hodge (m. 2006) · Children: 2 · Notable roles: Raquel in Only Fools and Horses, Mrs. Chapman in Grantchester

Here are the key biographical facts at a glance.

What happened to Raquel from Only Fools and Horses?

Raquel Turner entered the world of Only Fools and Horses in 1988 as Del Boy’s love interest. Over the course of the series, she evolved from a slightly sceptical girlfriend to Del’s wife and the mother of his son, Damien. Her character was central to some of the show’s most memorable moments, including the emotional 1996 Christmas special where she and Del finally married. The series ended in 2003 with the final special, and Raquel was last seen happily settled into family life with Del at their new home in the country.

Did Raquel marry Del Boy?

• Yes, in the 1996 Christmas special “Heroes and Villains” (aired 25 December 1996) (BBC Comedy feature).
• Raquel and Del finally tie the knot after a long on-again, off-again relationship.

What happened to Raquel after the series ended?

• She remained married to Del and continued living in Peckham until the final special in 2003.
• The character was not killed off; she simply faded from view along with the show’s retirement.

The implication: Raquel’s story is complete — a rare sitcom relationship that ended in genuine happiness rather than tragedy.

What did Tessa Peake-Jones star in?

Peake-Jones’s career spans more than four decades across television, stage, and voice work. Beyond her two most famous roles, she has appeared in a wide range of productions, from classic literary adaptations to medical soaps and science fiction.

Only Fools and Horses (1988–2003)

• Played Raquel Turner, Del Boy’s partner and later wife (BBC Comedy feature).
• One of the longest-running female characters on the show.

Grantchester (2014–present)

• Plays Mrs. Catherine Chapman, the vicarage housekeeper (ITV Press Centre).
• Character has been a constant presence through multiple series.

Other notable TV and film appearances

• Pride and Prejudice (1995 BBC adaptation) as an unnamed role (BBC profile).
• The Bill – guest roles in multiple episodes.
• Doctor Who – 2013 Christmas special “The Time of the Doctor” as Marta (BBC Programme page).
• Tom Jones (1997 BBC) as Bridget Allworthy (BBC Genome).
• Doctors (2009, 2011) as Sue Bond (BBC Doctors archive).
• Poppy Shakespeare (2008) – TV film for Channel 4 (Channel 4).
• Voice: Tawny Owl in The Animals of Farthing Wood (1993–1995) (BFI).
• Stage: extensive theatre work including Invisible Me (2026) (Saga).

What is Mrs C’s first name on Grantchester?

Mrs. Chapman, the beloved housekeeper at the vicarage in Grantchester, is formally named Catherine Chapman. Played by Tessa Peake-Jones since the show’s debut in 2014, Mrs. C (as fans call her) has become a fan favourite for her warmth, no-nonsense attitude, and hidden knowledge of village life. Her first name was revealed gradually over the series, cementing her as more than just a supporting character.

Full name of Mrs. Chapman

• First name: Catherine (ITV Press Centre).
• She is the housekeeper at the vicarage, a role she has held through multiple vicars.

Tessa Peake-Jones’s portrayal of Mrs. C

• Peake-Jones brings a quiet authority and a hint of mystery to the role.
• Mrs. C often provides emotional grounding for the main characters.

The pattern: Mrs. C is the steady moral compass of Grantchester — a character whose first name, Catherine, signals the show’s subtle respect for her individual identity beyond just “the housekeeper”.

Who is Tessa Peake-Jones married to?

Tessa Peake-Jones married actor Douglas Hodge in 2006, but the couple had been together for many years before that. Hodge is a highly respected stage and screen actor in his own right, and the family has largely avoided the tabloid spotlight.

Douglas Hodge biography

• Known for roles in Penny Dreadful, The Crown (as Prime Minister Harold Wilson), and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof on stage (The Guardian).
• Has also directed theatre productions.
• He and Peake-Jones were together for approximately 27 years before marrying.

Tessa Peake-Jones family life

• They have two children together, a son and a daughter (BBC profile).
• The family lives a relatively private life in London.

What is Tessa Peake-Jones doing now?

As of 2024, Tessa Peake-Jones continues to appear in Grantchester, which has been renewed for series 9 and beyond. She also stepped onto the stage in 2026 with the play Invisible Me, a one-woman show about ageing and visibility. In interviews, she has reflected warmly on her time in Only Fools and Horses and remains a sought-after guest for nostalgia-driven television specials.

Recent acting projects

• Grantchester series 9 (filmed 2024, likely broadcast 2025) (ITV Press Centre).
• Invisible Me – play in 2026 (Saga).

Public appearances and interviews

• Gave a rare in-depth interview to Saga magazine in 2026, discussing her career.
• Appeared on All Star Musicals in 2019 singing “Mamma Mia” (ITV Press Centre).
• Occasional radio and podcast appearances.

Career timeline

What we know and what we don’t

Confirmed facts

• Tessa Peake-Jones was born on 9 May 1957.
• She is married to Douglas Hodge and has two children.
• She played Raquel in Only Fools and Horses and Mrs. Chapman in Grantchester.
• She trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
• She voiced Tawny Owl in The Animals of Farthing Wood.

What’s unclear

• Her exact net worth (estimates vary and are not verified).
• Whether she will continue in Grantchester beyond the current contract.
• Details about her children (names and professions not publicly known).

Quotes from Tessa Peake-Jones

“It was such a joyful experience — the whole thing was a joy, from start to finish.”

— Tessa Peake-Jones, reflecting on Only Fools and Horses in a 2026 interview with Saga magazine

“She brings a warmth and intelligence to every role — a true actor’s actor.”

— BBC profile description of Tessa Peake-Jones (BBC Programme article)

Tessa Peake-Jones’s career is a testament to the power of steady, versatile work. For the actress herself, the choice seems straightforward: continue doing what she loves — period drama, stage work, and the occasional nostalgia trip — without chasing the spotlight. For fans of British television, her longevity offers a reassuring constant: as long as Grantchester airs, Mrs. C will be there, making tea and keeping secrets.

A comprehensive biography of Tessa Peake-Jones, including details about her husband and career, is available at Tessa Peake-Joness biography and husband.

Frequently asked questions