Esther Smith, the West Midlands actress known for her role as Nikki in the TV comedy Trying, has shared her thoughts on working alongside her real-life partner, Rafe Spall, who plays Jason in the series. The show, which first premiered in May 2020, is now concluding its fifth series and has been co-produced by Apple TV+ and the BBC.
Esther, who recently became a mother and will turn 40 next month, told Radio Times: “It’s funny to spend all day calling each other different names, then go home and be Esther and Rafe.” She added with a touch of humour, “We’re so tired that we don’t really get to debrief on the day. But we get to share a car home, so maybe it’s cheaper for the producers.”
Trying centres on Nikki and Jason, a couple desperate to become parents but struggling with conception. They decide to adopt, which brings new challenges and unexpected experiences throughout the adoption process.
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From Stourbridge, Esther Smith is also known for her performances in TV shows like Uncle and Cuckoo. She notably originated the role of Delphi Diggory in the stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Her career highlights include the 2010 role of Trish in Material Girl, as well as guest roles on Skins and The Midnight Beast. In 2014, she joined the cast of BBC Three’s Cuckoo as Rachel and appeared in the ITV2 comedy Cockroaches and BBC Three’s Uncle as Melodie.
Esther and Rafe became a couple two years after Trying premiered and welcomed their first child in 2024. Rafe, who has three children with his ex-wife actress Elize du Toit, has spoken about their working relationship in a previous interview with The Guardian, saying: “I really love acting with Esther, who’s now my partner. They had Esther in mind before they had me,” referring to the show’s casting directors. “We had acting chemistry before we had chemistry chemistry.”
Trying is available for viewers to watch on BBC iPlayer. The interview with Esther Smith appears in this week’s Radio Times football special, marking the return of the Premier League. Additionally, the show Secret Service is available on ITVX.