John Simm has been stealing scenes and impressing audiences in major TV shows like Doctor Who and Life on Mars for more than twenty years.
On Sunday the actor, 52, returned to popular ITV crime drama Grace, as DSI Roy Grace, who solves murder cases using his interest in the paranormal.
As well as being a TV staple, John is also part of a showbiz couple, married to EastEnders actress Kate Magowan since 2004, with whom he shares two children, Ryan and Molly.
Kate played salon owner Sadie Young on the soap from 2013 to 2014, and has also appeared in Silent Witness and The Bill. She has also appeared in 2007 fantasy movie Stardust and Kidulthood, among other works.
The couple, who wed in the Forest of Dean have appeared in four films together, including 24 Hour Party People, Is Harry on the Boat and thriller Tuesday, as well as BBC show Exile.
Over lockdown, the family moved from London to Brighton, where Grace is set.
In an interview with The Times, John said the relocation didn't have anything to do with the TV show, but said it was "serendipitous".
He described loving the sea air, and said "so many friends have done the same thing".
On Valentine's Day, Kate shared a sweet message on Instagram, sharing a smiling selfie of her and John, simply writing: "22 Years My Valentine. [black love heart emoji]."
John, who memorably played Doctor Who arch villain The Master, against David Tennant's time lord, has another talent alongside acting, being an accomplished musician.
He was songwriter and guitarist for rock band Magic Alex in the 1990s and 2000s, supporting Echo & The Bunnymen on British tours twice.
In 2002, he performed with New Order at a concert in Finsbury Park in 2002, singing Digital by Joy Division.
His band, Magic Alex split in 2005, with John starring in time travelling police show Life on Mars from 2006 until 2007.
In 2021, John said landing the role of TV detective Royal Grace was “manna from heaven” and he now hopes to have a job for life.
The show is based on best-selling novels by Peter James.
“It was manna from heaven to get that phone call. I was absolutely honoured to be asked to play Roy Grace,” he said.
“I didn't know the novels but I'd seen them in the best-seller lists. I devoured the first three very quickly and was absolutely hooked. I'm on book ten at the moment.”
Author James has revealed he's been so impressed with Simm's performance as Grace that he now sees the actor's face as he writes the character.
“If he's thinking of me when he's writing that's really odd because I'm so into these books - and I don't think of him as me when I'm reading,” John said.
“We all hope that we get to do all of the 17 books, there's plenty of source material and it's all really high quality.”
