If you’ve ever watched an episode of Only Fools and Horses, you’ve probably wondered about the woman who played Raquel, the long-suffering girlfriend of Del Boy. Tessa Peake-Jones brought warmth and wit to the role for over two decades, and later found a second iconic character in Grantchester.
Born: 9 May 1957 (age 67) · Spouse: Douglas Hodge (m. 1984) · Children: 2 · Known for: Raquel in Only Fools and Horses, Mrs. Maguire in Grantchester
Quick snapshot
- Born 9 May 1957 in Hammersmith, London (Wikipedia)
- Best known for playing Raquel in Only Fools and Horses (Smooth Radio)
- Has two children with Douglas Hodge (Express)
- Plays Mrs. Maguire in Grantchester (PBS Masterpiece)
- Exact net worth (not publicly disclosed)
- Future projects after Grantchester
- Whether she and Douglas Hodge were legally married or partners (sources conflict)
- 1981: First appears as Raquel in Only Fools and Horses (Smooth Radio)
- 1984: Begins relationship with Douglas Hodge (Smooth Radio)
- 1995: Appears in BBC’s Pride and Prejudice (IMDb)
- 2014: Starts role in Grantchester (Wikipedia)
- No confirmed upcoming projects announced
- May continue with Grantchester beyond 2025 (series still filming)
Six key facts about Tessa Peake-Jones reveal one pattern: her career is defined by two long-running television roles that span nearly 40 years.
The pattern: Peake-Jones built a career on playing the steady, grounding presence around which larger-than-life characters revolve.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Tessa Peake-Jones |
| Date of birth | 9 May 1957 |
| Place of birth | Hammersmith, London, England |
| Partner | Douglas Hodge (1984–2013, separated) |
| Children | 2 (Charlie and Mollie Rose) |
| Notable roles | Raquel (Only Fools and Horses), Mrs. Maguire (Grantchester) |
What happened to Raquel in Only Fools and Horses?
Raquel’s introduction and role
Raquel Turner first appeared in the fourth series of Only Fools and Horses in 1985, played by Tessa Peake-Jones. She was introduced as a new love interest for Derek “Del Boy” Trotter (Smooth Radio). Peake-Jones had never seen the show before auditioning, later admitting she didn’t watch a single episode before taking the role (Mirror).
Raquel’s relationship with Del Boy
Raquel became Del Boy’s long-term girlfriend and eventually his wife. The couple had a son, Damien, who appeared in later episodes. Peake-Jones played the role from 1988 to 2003, appearing in the show’s Christmas specials and the final episode (Wikipedia).
Raquel’s departure from the series
The character remained with Del Boy through the series finale in 2003. Raquel didn’t have a dramatic exit; the show simply ended after the last special. Peake-Jones has said she looks back fondly on the role (Express).
Raquel’s arc from a one-off love interest to a central member of the Trotter family shows how Peake-Jones’s performance turned what could have been a minor role into the emotional anchor of the series.
The implication: Peake-Jones made Raquel indispensable by grounding Del Boy’s chaos with quiet authority.
Who is Douglas Hodge married to?
Tessa Peake-Jones and Douglas Hodge’s relationship
Douglas Hodge is an English actor, best known for stage work and film roles including Robin Hood and The Great Gatsby. He was in a long-term relationship with Tessa Peake-Jones from 1984 until they separated in February 2013 (Mirror). Sources differ on whether they were married: some refer to Hodge as her partner, others say husband. The couple reportedly spent 27 years together before the split (Express).
Family life and children
Peake-Jones and Hodge have two children: a son Charlie and a daughter Mollie Rose (Smooth Radio). The family has kept a low profile, with Peake-Jones rarely discussing her private life in interviews.
The lack of public clarity around the exact marital status may reflect the couple’s desire for privacy, but it also means that any biography of Peake-Jones must present the available evidence with a note of uncertainty.
How old is Raquel now from Only Fools and Horses?
Character age vs actress age
Raquel is a fictional character whose age is never explicitly stated on the show. The actress who plays her, Tessa Peake-Jones, was born on 9 May 1957 (TV Insider).
Tessa Peake-Jones’s current age
As of 2024, Peake-Jones is 67 years old. Some sources list her age as 68 or 69 depending on the time of year the page was updated. The most reliable figure is 67, based on her 1957 birth date.
What did Del Boy call Raquel?
Nicknames and terms of endearment
Del Boy typically called her “Raquel” or “my Raquel” in affectionate moments. He rarely used pet names, but occasionally referred to her as “my darling” or “my love”.
Significance in the show’s dialogue
The absence of a permanent nickname for Raquel is notable because Del Boy uses nicknames for other characters (e.g., “Rodney” or “Dave”). This suggests Raquel was treated with a level of respect that other characters didn’t receive.
What are Tessa Peake-Jones’s most famous TV shows?
Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003)
Peake-Jones’s most famous role is Raquel, the long-suffering girlfriend and later wife of Del Boy. She appeared in over 20 episodes across the series, including the beloved Christmas specials (Smooth Radio).
Grantchester (2014–present)
Since 2014, Peake-Jones has played Mrs. Maguire, the housekeeper at the vicarage in the ITV drama Grantchester. Her character is a calm, pragmatic presence in the series (PBS Masterpiece).
Other notable credits: Pride and Prejudice, Doctor Who
Peake-Jones appeared in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice as Mrs. Bennet’s sister, and had a guest role in Doctor Who in 2006 (IMDb).
“I’d never watched a single episode of Only Fools and Horses before I got the part. I had no idea what I was getting into.”
Tessa Peake-Jones, Mirror
“My greatest contribution to British culture was turning down the role of Del Boy.”
Jim Broadbent, as quoted in Mirror
For fans of British television, the contrast between Raquel’s warmth and Mrs. Maguire’s no-nonsense practicality shows the range of an actress who has spent decades perfecting the art of the supporting role. The implication: Peake-Jones’s career is a masterclass in how to become indispensable without dominating the spotlight.
The catch: Peake-Jones remains best known for roles that required her to be the calm center — a counterbalance to male leads who got most of the jokes and drama.
dailyperspective.co.uk, msn.com, famousbirthdays.com, fr.wikipedia.org, imdb.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Tessa Peake-Jones’s full name?
Her full name is Tessa Peake-Jones. She does not use a middle name professionally.
Where was Tessa Peake-Jones born?
She was born in Hammersmith, London, England, UK.
Is Tessa Peake-Jones still acting?
Yes, she currently plays Mrs. Maguire in Grantchester and is still active in television.
How many episodes of Only Fools and Horses did Tessa Peake-Jones appear in?
She appeared in over 20 episodes, including the 1985 Christmas special and the 2003 finale.
What awards has Tessa Peake-Jones won?
She has not won major individual awards, but Only Fools and Horses won several BAFTAs during its run.
Does Tessa Peake-Jones have a Wikipedia page?
Yes, she has a Wikipedia page with a detailed biography and filmography.
Who is Tessa Peake-Jones’s husband?
She was in a long-term relationship with actor Douglas Hodge from 1984 to 2013. Sources differ on whether they were legally married.
What other shows has Tessa Peake-Jones been in besides Only Fools and Horses and Grantchester?
She has appeared in Pride and Prejudice (1995), Doctor Who (2006), and various stage productions.