Anticipation is high among fans for the return of the popular crime thriller Grace, as John Simm steps back into the role of the relentless Detective Superintendent Roy Grace for its fourth season. The season premiere, titled “Dead Man’s Time,” kicks off with a brutal heist that entangles Roy and his team in a complex investigation involving stolen antiques. As Roy delves deeper into the victim’s background in Brighton, he uncovers long-standing resentments and a mystery that has troubled the victim’s brother, portrayed by Philip Glenister, for years.
Known for his memorable performances, including his roles in Life on Mars, as the Master in Doctor Who, and in Trauma and Collateral, 54-year-old John Simm has also made headlines off-screen. He is married to Kate Magowan, a former EastEnders actress who played Sadie Young from 2013 to 2014 and appeared in the cult football drama Dream Team in 1998.
Although the details of their initial meeting remain private, they have worked together, in the 2001 drama Is Harry on the Boat?. Married since 2004, John and Kate have two children, Ryder and Mollie, and recently relocated from London to Brighton during the Covid lockdown. John commented on their move, noting the peaceful silence of East Sussex after years of city noise.
Before his marriage, John was romantically linked with Emma Bunton, aka Baby Spice from the Spice Girls. Their brief relationship began when Emma, an admirer of John’s show The Lakes, met him in a studio canteen. Despite initial expectations, their chemistry was strong, with John describing Emma as exceptionally charming and fun.
However, the intense media scrutiny surrounding Emma’s fame made their relationship difficult. John noted that both their camps had issues with the relationship, which eventually strained their connection. Reflecting on their time together, John expressed sympathy for Emma, acknowledging that she deserved better than the complications of their high-profile romance.