Rafe Spall ‘splits from wife Elize du Toit and sparks up romance Esther Smith’

Rafe Spall has reportedly split from his wife of 12 years and started a romance with his on-screen wife Esther Smith.

Actor Rafe, 39, the son of screen star Timothy Spall, married former Hollyoaks cast member Elize du Toit in 2010, but the couple split last year after growing apart, according to The sun.

Photos obtained by the publication show Rafe and Esther – who plays Rafe’s wife in the Apple TV comedy Trying since 2020 – holding hands as they stepped out this week in London’s Notting Hill.

New romance: Rafe Spall has reportedly split from his wife of 12 years and started a romance with on-screen wife Esther Smith (Rafe and Esther pictured in August)

One onlooker said, “They looked very happy and comfortable in each other’s company. Both laughed and smiled as they headed to the pub for a drink.

They held hands and seemed very close. They gave the impression of being a couple that has been together for a while.’

MailOnline has reached out to representatives for Rafe and Esther, and has reached out to Elize for comment.

Looking back: Actor Rafe, 39, married former Hollyoaks cast member Elize du Toit in 2010, but the couple split last year after growing apart (Elize and Rafe pictured in 2017)

In July of this year, Rafe said Movie dogs about his relationship with Esther: ‘I can hang out with Esther all day long. We’re really going on. She’s my favorite person I’ve ever acted with.’

In another interview, he said Nerd that nerd: ‘People often comment on the chemistry we have with each other.

“And I’m really glad people enjoy it, but… they won’t enjoy it as much as we do.”

Acting: Esther plays Rafe’s wife in Apple TV comedy Trying since 2020 (pictured in the show)

Rafe married Elize in 2010 before moving to The Cotswolds with her in 2019. They share children Lena, 11, Rex, 10, and another six-year-old son.

Earlier this year, Rafe said he regretted not spending more time with his children the I newspaper: “Unfortunately I have no other skills to exchange for money.

“This is all I have and so I have to get into acting to keep them in hummus.”

Family affair: Rafe (right) is the son of fencer Timothy Spall (left) (Timothy and Rafe pictured in December 2014)