Martin Freeman and Rachel Benaissa married after a subtle red carpet clue
A film premiere appearance in London prompted Freeman's representative to address speculation about a quiet ceremony held earlier this year.
Actor Martin Freeman and French actress Rachel Benaissa have secretly married, tying the knot earlier in 2026. A representative for the British actor confirmed the marriage on October 15 to outlets including The Sun, the Daily Mirror, and Just Jared.
The confirmation came shortly after the couple attended a high-profile film screening in London together, drawing attention when both were photographed wearing wedding rings.
A red carpet appearance in London
Freeman and Benaissa stepped out together on October 14 at the Royal Festival Hall in London. They attended the UK premiere gala screening of Freeman’s film A Long Winter during the 70th BFI London Film Festival.
During the festival screening, event photographs captured Benaissa wearing a diamond band on her ring finger. Media reports and photos confirmed that Freeman also wore a gold band at the premiere, according to Getty Images, the Daily Mirror, and Just Jared.
Their relationship timeline
The couple first began dating in 2020. Benaissa is also credited professionally as Rachel Mariam.
They made their initial red carpet appearance together as a couple in October 2021 at the Raindance Film Festival, according to Bustle and Just Jared.
Benaissa is a French actress and writer with multiple screen projects to her name. Her television credits include the drama series Normal People in 2020 and This Way Up in 2021, as well as the 2024 movie Irish Wish, according to reports from Hello! Magazine and Just Jared.
Before dating Benaissa, Freeman spent 16 years in a relationship with actress Amanda Abbington. The former couple were together from 2000 until their separation in 2016. Freeman and Abbington share two children, Joe and Grace, according to Parade and Just Jared.
What is still unknown about the wedding
While Freeman’s spokesperson confirmed that the couple tied the knot earlier in 2026, the pair have kept the ceremony out of public view.
The specific date of the wedding has not been confirmed, and the venue where the couple held their ceremony has not been disclosed. Details such as the guest list and the exact location of the nuptials also remain unknown, according to reports from The Sun, Parade, and Just Jared.
