Tessa Peake-Jones is a familiar face on British television, best known for bringing warmth and complexity to two iconic roles: Raquel, the long-suffering partner of Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, and Mrs. Chapman, the no-nonsense housekeeper in Grantchester. Born in Hammersmith, London in 1957, her career has spanned over four decades, moving from early theatre training to becoming one of the UK’s most recognisable character actresses.
Despite her fame, she has kept much of her personal life private. Public interest, however, remains high—particularly around her family, her current projects, and her financial status. Here is the verified information known about her life, career, and current status.
Tessa Peake-Jones’s Husband and Children
Tessa Peake-Jones
9 May 1957, Hammersmith, London
Raquel (Only Fools and Horses), Mrs. Chapman (Grantchester)
Douglas Hodge (actor)
- Tessa Peake-Jones is best known for playing Raquel in the iconic BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses (1989–2003).
- She currently stars as Mrs. Chapman in the ITV series Grantchester (since 2014).
- Her long-term relationship is with actor Douglas Hodge; they were together for about 29 years and separated in 2013.
- She has two children, Mollie Rose Hodge and Charlie Hodge, with Douglas Hodge.
- Peake-Jones continues to work actively, with a 2026 interview in Saga discussing her career and future.
- Her net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates are speculative.
- There are no confirmed reports of serious illness; the question appears to stem from rumours or confusion with other actresses.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tessa Peake-Jones |
| Date of Birth | 9 May 1957 |
| Place of Birth | Hammersmith, London, England |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 1978–present |
| Partner | Douglas Hodge (former partner, separated 2013) |
| Children | 2 (Mollie Rose Hodge, Charlie Hodge) |
| Notable TV Roles | Raquel (Only Fools and Horses), Mrs. Chapman (Grantchester) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Who is Tessa Peake-Jones married to?
The most consistently reported relationship in Tessa Peake-Jones’s life is with actor Douglas Hodge. According to multiple sources, including her Wikipedia entry and entertainment news, they were together for approximately 29 years and separated in February 2013. While some sources refer to Hodge as a “partner” or “former partner,” the evidence does not confirm a formal marriage. One less reliable source lists a different spouse, but this conflicts with more credible records and should not be relied upon.
Does Tessa Peake-Jones have children?
Yes. Reliable sources agree that Tessa Peake-Jones has two children with Douglas Hodge. Their names are Mollie Rose Hodge and Charlie Hodge. The family has generally kept a low public profile, and the children have not pursued careers in the spotlight.
What is Tessa Peake-Jones doing now?
Tessa Peake-Jones in 2025
As of 2025, Tessa Peake-Jones remains a regular on Grantchester, playing the housekeeper Mrs. Chapman. The series has been a consistent presence on ITV since 2014, and Peake-Jones’s character has become a fan favourite. Entertainment articles have noted her upcoming return to the show alongside co-star Al Weaver – Biography, Career and Personal Life, confirming she is still an active part of the cast.
Tessa Peake-Jones in 2026: Future Projects and Interviews
In 2026, she gave an interview to Saga magazine (7 April 2026), where she discussed her career longevity and the role that made her famous. The interview indicates she has no plans for retirement and remains enthusiastic about acting. She has also spoken about her early ambitions and her continued love for performing.
In the Saga interview, Peake-Jones opened up about forever being associated with Raquel, reuniting with Sir David Jason, and why she still loves working. She also reflected on her training at the Central School of Speech and Drama.
What was Tessa Peake-Jones like when she was young?
Early life and training
Tessa Peake-Jones was born on 9 May 1957 in Hammersmith, London. She studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama, a prestigious institution that has trained many British actors. Before turning to acting, she considered a career as a dancer—a detail from a 2025/2026 interview with John Hannam in Sussex Living.
First acting roles
Her television career began in the late 1970s and early 1980s. She appeared in a range of shows before landing her breakout role. One of her earliest notable appearances was in Pride and Prejudice (1995), but her most significant early break came when she was cast as Raquel in Only Fools and Horses in 1988, a role that would define her career.
What is Tessa Peake-Jones’s net worth?
How did Tessa Peake-Jones earn her wealth?
Her primary source of income has been her long-running television career. The success of Only Fools and Horses and her ongoing role in Grantchester are the most significant contributors. She has also appeared in other productions, including Pride and Prejudice, The Demon Headmaster, Doctors, Poppy Shakespeare, and a Doctor Who Christmas episode.
One website claims that Tessa Peake-Jones has a net worth of approximately £2 million, but this figure is not corroborated by reliable or authoritative sources. No official financial disclosure exists, and the estimate should be treated as unverified.
Is her net worth publicly disclosed?
No. There is no reliable, well-sourced estimate of her net worth in the public domain. Any figures that appear online are speculative and should not be taken as fact.
Is Tessa Peake-Jones ill?
Does Tessa Peake-Jones have any known health problems?
There is no credible information in the available records about Tessa Peake-Jones having any major health condition, diagnosis, or current health issue. The question appears to be based on unfounded rumours or confusion with another actress. No authoritative source confirms any serious illness.
Key moments in Tessa Peake-Jones’s life
- 1957 – Born in Hammersmith, London.
- 1970s – Studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama.
- 1988 – First appeared as Raquel in Only Fools and Horses.
- 1995 – Played a role in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
- 2014 – Cast as Mrs. Chapman in ITV’s Grantchester.
- 2026 – Gave an interview to Saga magazine, discussing her career and future.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Birth date and place: 9 May 1957, Hammersmith, London | Net worth: No official or reliable estimate available; any figures online are speculative. |
| Long-term relationship with Douglas Hodge (separated 2013) | Illness: No authoritative source confirms any current or past serious illness. |
| Two children (Mollie Rose Hodge and Charlie Hodge) | Young: While early career details are known, specific personal anecdotes outside standard biographies are not widely documented. |
| Key roles: Raquel in Only Fools and Horses, Mrs. Chapman in Grantchester | |
| Training at Central School of Speech and Drama |
The cultural impact of Tessa Peake-Jones’s career
Raquel’s role in Only Fools and Horses made Peake-Jones a household name in the UK. Her character’s story arc was central to the show’s later years, providing a grounded counterpoint to Del Boy’s schemes. Her transition to period drama in Grantchester demonstrates versatility and sustained popularity across decades. Her marriage to Douglas Hodge, also a noted actor and director, highlights a private life kept largely away from the spotlight, with both children out of the public eye.
Key sources and quotations
“It was a wonderful part to play.”
— Tessa Peake-Jones, on her role as Raquel (paraphrased from multiple interviews)
“The actress opens up on forever being Raquel, reuniting with Sir David Jason and why she still loves working.”
— Saga magazine, 7 April 2026
Authoritative sources for this article include the Wikipedia biography, IMDb, and the Independent Talent agency profile. Additional context about her most famous roles can be found on the Wikipedia pages for Only Fools and Horses and Grantchester. The 2026 Saga interview provides the most recent first-person insight into her current perspective. Her Grantchester co-star Al Weaver – Biography, Career and Personal Life is a direct professional connection. Fellow British actress Annette Badland – Biography, Age, Husband & Roles, who also appeared in Doctor Who, shares a similar career trajectory across British television. Her training at the Central School of Speech and Drama laid the foundation for her enduring career.
What to expect from Tessa Peake-Jones next
Based on the 2026 interview and her career trajectory, she is expected to continue her role in Grantchester should the series continue. She may also take on guest appearances or stage work, having expressed enthusiasm for ongoing acting. No retirement has been announced.
How old is Tessa Peake-Jones?
She was born on 9 May 1957, making her 67 years old as of 2024.
Is Tessa Peake-Jones still acting?
Yes. She continues to appear in Grantchester and has given interviews as recently as 2026.
Who did Tessa Peake-Jones play in Doctor Who?
She appeared in a Doctor Who Christmas episode. The specific role is not widely detailed in standard biographies.
Was Tessa Peake-Jones in Pride and Prejudice?
Yes, she appeared in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
Is Tessa Peake-Jones married to Douglas Hodge?
Sources describe Douglas Hodge as her former long-term partner, not a husband. They separated in 2013 after about 29 years together.
Does Tessa Peake-Jones have grandchildren?
There is no publicly available information confirming whether she has grandchildren.
What was Tessa Peake-Jones’s first TV role?
Her first TV appearance was in the late 1970s or early 1980s, before her major role in Only Fools and Horses.
How much is Tessa Peake-Jones worth?
Her net worth is not publicly disclosed. One speculative estimate of £2 million is unverified and should not be relied upon.
Where did Tessa Peake-Jones train?
She trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
Amelia Foster covers the economy, business and consumer affairs for BritView.uk.