Tessa Peake-Jones facts for kids

Tessa Peake-Jones, born on May 9, 1957, is a well-known English actress. She is famous for playing Raquel in the BBC comedy show Only Fools and Horses from 1988 to 2003. She also voiced Tawny Owl in the cartoon series The Animals of Farthing Wood (1993-1995). More recently, she played Mrs. Chapman in the ITV drama Grantchester from 2014 to 2024.

Tessa has appeared in many other TV shows. These include Pride and Prejudice (1980) and The Demon Headmaster (1996–1998). She also had roles in Doctors (2009–2011) and Unforgotten (2015).

About Tessa Peake-Jones

Early Life and Schooling

Tessa Peake-Jones was born in London on May 9, 1957. Her mother's name is Mary. Tessa grew up in Hammersmith, a part of London.

She went to Kenmore Park Junior School in Harrow. Later, she attended Downer Grammar School, which is now called Canons High School. She finished school in 1973. After that, she trained to become an actress at the Central School of Speech and Drama.

Her Acting Career

Tessa Peake-Jones is most famous for her role as Raquel Turner. Raquel was the partner of the main character, Del Boy Trotter, in Only Fools and Horses. Del Boy was played by actor David Jason. Tessa played Raquel from 1988 to 1993, then in 1996, and again from 2001 to 2003.

She also lent her voice to the character of Tawny Owl. This was for the animated TV series The Animals of Farthing Wood.

Tessa has been in many other popular TV shows. These include Bergerac, Midsomer Murders, and Casualty. She also appeared in Holby City and The Bill.

In 1982, she was in the BBC show The Bell. She also played Mary Bennet in the BBC's 1980 TV version of Pride and Prejudice. In 2008, she was in the Channel 4 drama Poppy Shakespeare.

From 2009 to 2011, Tessa played Sue Bond in the BBC soap opera Doctors. In 2013, she appeared in the Doctor Who Christmas episode called "The Time of the Doctor". Since 2014, Tessa has been a main character in Grantchester. She plays Mrs. Chapman, who is the vicar's housekeeper.

In 2019, Tessa sang "Mamma Mia" from the musical Mamma Mia! on the ITV show All Star Musicals.

Personal Life

Tessa Peake-Jones was in a long-term relationship with actor Douglas Hodge. They were together for 29 years before they separated in February 2013. They have two children together.

Tessa Peake-Jones: Film and TV Roles

Film Appearances

Television Appearances