Rafe Spall and Esther Smith, the stars of Apple TV's Trying, have taken their on-screen chemistry to the next level by becoming a couple in real life. The actors, who play Jason and Nikki in the series, found love off-screen and welcomed their first child together in 2024. In an exclusive interview with HELLO!, they open up about the joys of parenthood, surviving their awkward teenage years, and the secret to their on-screen chemistry.
The Joys of Parenting
Esther, 39, says becoming a mother has given her a new perspective on what it means to be a mum. Rafe, 43, agrees, calling fatherhood the best thing about his life. He has three children with his former wife, Elize du Toit, and describes his two-year-old child with Esther as a "constant delight and a constant joy."
The couple's characters in Trying, Jason and Nikki, are navigating the emotional rollercoaster of adoption. In real life, Rafe and Esther are experiencing the joys of parenthood, just as Nikki and Jason did in the show. Esther notes that becoming a parent while filming Trying has given her a shared understanding with her on-screen character.
Teenage Years and On-Screen Chemistry
Rafe admits he was a "disruptive" teenager due to his dyslexia and unmet educational needs. Esther, on the other hand, describes herself as a "hormonal nightmare" during her teenage years, with her mother likely to confirm her awkwardness. Despite their different experiences, the couple's on-screen chemistry is undeniable.
Rafe attributes this to Esther's talent and her openness to being spontaneous. He believes that good acting can create chemistry, even if it's not genuine in real life. Esther agrees, stating that hitting on-screen chemistry with someone feels like finding gold and gives a sense of relief and freedom to improvise.
Fatherhood at Different Ages
Rafe reflects on the difference between his first child at 27 and his current child at 43. He notes that he was one of the first in his friendship group to have a baby and now feels differently about it. He acknowledges that parenting is a continuous learning process, with no one being an expert.
Encouraging Family Aspirations
When asked about their children's future aspirations, Rafe and Esther share a similar view. They would encourage their children to pursue their passions, whether it's acting or any other field. Rafe's father, Timothy Spall, has always believed that acting is an affliction, and Rafe hopes his children will exhibit the same passion if they choose to follow in his footsteps.
As the fifth season of Trying airs, Rafe and Esther's characters face new challenges with the biological mother of their children turning up. The couple's real-life relationship and shared journey as parents add an intriguing layer to their on-screen dynamic, making their portrayal of Jason and Nikki even more compelling.
