Miranda Hart, the beloved British comedian, actress, and writer, has long captivated audiences with her self-deprecating humor and relatable portrayal of a socially awkward character in her eponymous sitcom, Miranda. For years, her public persona was one of a charmingly single woman, often joking about her romantic misfortunes, mirroring the on-screen quest for love of her character. However, in a heartwarming turn of events that surprised many, Hart recently revealed a deeply private and significant development in her romantic life: her secret marriage to Richard Fairs. This revelation brought an end to years of speculation about her relationship status and offered a message of hope and joy to her legion of fans.
Before her recent marriage, Miranda Hart maintained a notably private stance on her romantic life. While her on-screen character frequently navigated the comedic pitfalls of dating, Hart herself rarely discussed her personal relationships publicly. In 2016, she described herself as "permanently single," and a few years later, expressed a readiness to find a partner, stating, "Mr Right, or the future Mr Hart, hasn’t occurred in my life yet. But it would be lovely to find my partner in crime." This public perception of a long-term singleton only amplified the surprise and delight when news of her marriage emerged.
The story of Miranda Hart and Richard Fairs began unexpectedly during the 2020 pandemic lockdown. Richard, a 60-year-old chartered building surveyor, was initially hired to address a mould issue in Hart’s West London home. Hart, who was battling a chronic illness at the time, was not present for the initial works, but their paths crossed on the final day of the project. She later revealed that she felt an immediate connection with the "salt-and-pepper greying" man, describing him as having a "fine-featured" appearance.
Their first date unfolded in a decidedly unconventional, yet charming, manner. Due to lockdown restrictions, the pair had their initial rendezvous in Hart’s living room, sharing biscuits from a distance. Hart humorously recounted a "pizza incident" during this first meeting, where her pizza arrived resembling a calzone, leading to extensive complaints from her. Despite this, she realized "almost immediately" that she was in love with him, and to her surprise, Richard returned for a second date, undeterred by her pizza-related grievances. This initial, socially distanced encounter laid the foundation for a deep and meaningful connection.
The relationship blossomed privately, with Richard Fairs proving to be a supportive and understanding partner, especially as Hart navigated her health struggles. In January 2023, Richard proposed to Miranda during a walk in the picturesque Kew Gardens in London. Hart recalled the moment with emotion, stating that when he popped the question, she "burst into tears because - hello?! He was asking me to marry him," and that she "simply burst out crying, apparently saying yes before he had finished the sentence." The proposal marked a significant milestone in their journey, solidifying their commitment to each other.
The couple then tied the knot in a secret ceremony in July 2023. The intimate wedding took place at a historic 1,000-year-old church in the picturesque Hampshire village of Hambledon, where Hart grew up. Only a handful of family and close friends were in attendance, all sworn to secrecy. Richard Fairs was previously married for over 25 years and has two children, Jack and Shula, from his prior relationship, making Miranda a stepmother. The wedding was a deeply personal affair, reflecting the couple's desire for privacy.
Miranda Hart publicly confirmed her marriage in October 2024, initially hinting at it in her memoir, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You, and later confirming the news on BBC’s The One Show. She expressed immense joy and gratitude, stating, "I’m married, I got married at 51 and it’s just so lovely! I’d written Gary for onscreen Miranda and it wasn’t until I was 49 that I met my person." She also shared that he is her "best friend" and that they "have the best fun." Her story resonated widely, offering a powerful message of hope that love can be found at any age and under unexpected circumstances, even while battling personal challenges. The revelation of her marriage to Richard Fairs has been met with an outpouring of happiness from fans and the media, celebrating the real-life romantic success of a star who has brought so much laughter to so many.