Craig Parkinson’s Personal Life: Age, Wife, Son, and New Partner
Craig Parkinson is an English actor and podcaster, born 11 March 1976 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. He is 50 years old as of 2026. Known for his role as DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan in Line of Duty, he has also appeared in Misfits, Whitechapel, and the film Four Lions.
Born
11 March 1976
Age
50 (as of 2026)
Known For
Line of Duty, Four Lions
Marital Status
Separated from Susan Lynch (2019)
- Craig Parkinson was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England.
- He is best known for playing DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan in Line of Duty.
- He also played Shaun in Misfits and the Kray twins in Whitechapel.
- He appeared in the film Four Lions.
- He hosts the podcast The Two Shot Podcast and was involved with Obsessed with Line of Duty.
- He was married to actress Susan Lynch; they separated in 2019.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Craig Parkinson |
| Born | 11 March 1976 |
| Birthplace | Blackpool, Lancashire, England |
| Occupation | Actor, podcaster |
| Known For | Line of Duty, Misfits, Whitechapel, Four Lions |
| Height | Approximately 1.95 m (6 ft 4½ in) |
| Spouse | Susan Lynch (separated 2019) |
| Child | One son (born May 2011) |
The most reliable sources confirm that Craig Parkinson was married to actress Susan Lynch, and that they have one son, born in May 2011. The couple separated in 2019. There is no confirmed information about a new partner or current relationship status beyond this separation.
Craig Parkinson’s Health: Is He Ill?
There has been public curiosity about whether Craig Parkinson has faced any major health conditions. However, the available sources—including Wikipedia and IMDb—do not contain any confirmed reports of illness, chronic conditions, or recent health scares. Any claims to the contrary remain unsupported by reliable evidence.
This lack of information is consistent with his general approach to privacy regarding personal matters. No public statement from Parkinson or his representatives has addressed health rumors, and no reputable outlet has published a verified account of any illness.
Speculation about Craig Parkinson’s health should be treated with caution. As of 2026, there is no authoritative source confirming any illness or medical condition. Claims found on unofficial websites or social media are not substantiated.
Craig Parkinson’s Iconic Roles: Four Lions and Line of Duty
What role did Craig Parkinson play in Four Lions?
In the 2010 satirical film Four Lions, Craig Parkinson played a character named Malik. The film, directed by Chris Morris, follows a group of inept British jihadists and was praised for its dark humor and sharp commentary. Parkinson’s performance contributed to the ensemble cast that included Riz Ahmed, Kayvan Novak, and Nigel Lindsay.
What role did Craig Parkinson play in Line of Duty?
Craig Parkinson is perhaps best known for his portrayal of DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan in the BBC police drama Line of Duty. The character, introduced in the first series, became a fan favorite and a central figure in the show’s complex narrative. Parkinson’s performance earned critical acclaim and helped establish the series as a landmark of British television. He also hosted the companion podcast Obsessed with Line of Duty for BBC Sounds.
Craig Parkinson has extended his connection to Line of Duty by co-hosting Obsessed with Line of Duty, a podcast that recaps and analyzes episodes. He also runs The Two Shot Podcast, where he interviews actors and industry professionals about their craft.
Craig Parkinson’s Career and Life Timeline
A look at the key milestones in Craig Parkinson’s professional and personal journey.
- 1976 – Born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England.
- 2000s – Begins his acting career with early television and film roles.
- 2010 – Appears in Four Lions as Malik.
- 2012 – Cast as DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan in Line of Duty (Series 1).
- 2017 – Launches The Two Shot Podcast.
- 2019 – Separates from actress Susan Lynch.
- 2020 – Hosts Obsessed with Line of Duty for BBC Sounds.
- 2023 – Appears in Disney+ series Renegade Nell.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Craig Parkinson?
Separating established facts from speculation helps clarify what is known about the actor.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 11 March 1976 in Blackpool, England | Current marital status or new partner |
| Known for roles in Four Lions and Line of Duty | Exact height (estimates range from 1.94 m to 1.96 m) |
| Hosts The Two Shot Podcast and Obsessed with Line of Duty | Details about his son (name, age beyond May 2011) |
| Married to Susan Lynch (separated 2019) | Any confirmed health condition or illness |
Craig Parkinson’s Career and Public Profile in Context
Craig Parkinson maintains a relatively low profile regarding his private life, while actively pursuing acting and podcasting. His screen career includes notable dramatic roles in Misfits, Whitechapel, and Control, as well as the film Soulboy and the television film The Unloved. His transition into podcasting, especially with The Two Shot Podcast and the Line of Duty companion show, has expanded his influence within the fan community. The lack of official statements on personal matters has led to public curiosity, but his professional work remains well-documented.
Sources on Craig Parkinson’s Life and Work
Craig Parkinson was brought up in his native Blackpool and attended Blackpool and Fylde College.
— IMDb bio
Award winning actor and podcast host of Obsessed with Line Of Duty for BBC Sounds.
— Saysovoices
Craig Parkinson – A Summary of What We Know
Craig Parkinson, born 11 March 1976 in Blackpool, is an English actor and podcaster. His breakthrough role came as DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan in Line of Duty, and he has appeared in Four Lions, Misfits, and Whitechapel. He was married to actress Susan Lynch, with whom he has one son; they separated in 2019. There is no confirmed information about a new partner or any health condition. He continues to act and host podcasts, including The Two Shot Podcast and Obsessed with Line of Duty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Craig Parkinson
What is Craig Parkinson’s height?
Craig Parkinson’s height is estimated at around 1.95 m (6 ft 4½ in), though some sources list it as 1.94 m or 1.96 m. No official measurement has been published.
Does Craig Parkinson have a son?
Yes, he and his former wife Susan Lynch have one son, born in May 2011. The child’s name has not been publicly confirmed.
Is Craig Parkinson married?
He was married to actress Susan Lynch. The couple separated in 2019. His current marital status has not been publicly confirmed.
Why is Craig Parkinson trending?
He often trends due to fan interest in his Line of Duty role and occasional speculation about his personal life.
What role did Craig Parkinson play in Four Lions?
He played a character named Malik in the 2010 satirical film Four Lions.
What role did Craig Parkinson play in Line of Duty?
He played DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan, a key character introduced in the first series of the BBC police drama.
Is Craig Parkinson ill?
No reliable source has confirmed any illness or health condition. Rumors on this topic are unsubstantiated.
Does Craig Parkinson have a new partner?
There is no confirmed or authoritative information about a new partner since his separation from Susan Lynch in 2019.
Sophie Marlowe covers culture, lifestyle and society for BritView.uk.