Public fascination often extends beyond celebrities themselves to the people closest to them. When British comedian and actress Miranda Hart revealed her marriage to a man outside the entertainment industry, curiosity naturally followed. That man is Richard Fairs, a successful building surveyor and business owner whose life took a dramatic turn when he met Hart during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Hart’s fans know her as the witty star of Miranda and Call the Midwife, Richard Fairs has lived a comparatively private and low-profile life. Yet, his story is compelling—covering his professional expertise, past relationships, unexpected romance, and eventual marriage to one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers.
This article explores in depth who Richard Fairs is, with focus on his career as a surveyor, his role as Miranda Hart’s husband, his past marriage, and his company The Building Consultancy.
Early Life and Background
Richard Fairs is originally from Bristol, England. Born in the early 1960s, he grew up away from the media spotlight. Unlike many celebrity partners who thrive in showbusiness circles, Fairs pursued a traditional professional path. Reports place him in his early sixties as of 2024, an age when he has built both personal experiences and a strong reputation in his field.
Not much is publicly documented about his early childhood or academic background, but his later career achievements suggest a strong grounding in technical education, likely with qualifications in surveying and construction management.
Richard Fairs the Surveyor: A Career Built on Precision
Professionally, Richard Fairs is a chartered building surveyor. Surveyors are experts who evaluate the structural integrity, value, and condition of buildings—critical work in property development, sales, renovations, and construction.
The Building Consultancy
Fairs is not just an employee in his sector—he is associated with running The Building Consultancy, a business offering services in building surveys, property inspections, and consultancy. This company represents his expertise and leadership within the construction and property management industry.
His career highlights underline a life dedicated to technical detail, problem-solving, and ensuring properties meet high standards. While many only came to know his name because of his relationship with Miranda Hart, his professional identity is rooted in decades of respected work.
For Hart, whose own health challenges during the pandemic required reliable support, Fairs’ skill in tackling her home’s structural issues became the unlikely spark for romance.
Meeting Miranda Hart: An Unlikely Love Story
The love story of Richard Fairs and Miranda Hart has all the qualities of a rom-com—appropriate for someone like Hart, whose comedic storytelling thrives on quirky coincidences.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Hart hired Fairs to help remove mould from her West London home. What began as a purely professional visit turned into something life-changing.
Their first official date, according to Hart, was simple yet profound. They spent an evening together at her home, waiting for a pizza and talking. In her words, she realized she was falling in love during those hours. This understated beginning became the foundation for their deep relationship.
Richard Fairs and Miranda Hart’s Wedding
After dating for several years, Richard Fairs proposed to Miranda Hart in January 2023 during a walk at Kew Gardens in London. He chose a picturesque spot by a bridge overlooking a lake to pop the question—an intimate and thoughtful moment perfectly aligned with Hart’s romantic nature.
The couple married on 6 July 2023 at the St Peter and St Paul Church in Hambledon, Hampshire. The ceremony was deliberately low-key, attended by close family and friends. Following the wedding, they hosted a Hawaiian-themed celebration, a detail reflecting both Hart’s sense of humor and their shared desire for joy over grandeur.
Hart has described the day as one of the happiest of her life, filled with singing, laughter, and deep emotion.
Richard Fairs’ Ex-Wife and Family
Before his relationship with Miranda Hart, Richard Fairs had a long marriage to Jeanne Speight. The couple were together for over 25 years before separating in 2017. From this marriage, Fairs has two children.
This part of his personal history highlights the complexity of his journey. Having raised a family and gone through a separation, he entered his 60s with life experience that shaped him into the man Hart eventually fell in love with. Unlike fleeting romances, Fairs’ relationship with Hart has been built on maturity, resilience, and a mutual understanding of life’s highs and lows.
Life After Marriage: Supporting Miranda Hart
Miranda Hart has been candid about her struggles with health issues, including Lyme disease and chronic fatigue. At times, she has described herself as bed-bound. Richard Fairs’ presence in her life has reportedly been a stabilizing and supportive factor during this challenging period.
Their marriage is more than just a romantic bond—it represents a partnership of care, patience, and companionship. Hart herself has expressed gratitude for Fairs’ steady personality and ability to bring normalcy into her often chaotic public life.
Why Richard Fairs Stands Out
Several aspects make Richard Fairs stand out in the public imagination:
- A Private Professional Life: Unlike many celebrity spouses, he hasn’t chased the limelight. His low profile adds authenticity to his relationship with Hart.
- Career Excellence: His role as a respected building surveyor, and association with The Building Consultancy, underlines professional credibility.
- Romantic Yet Practical: From fixing mould in Hart’s home to proposing in a quiet garden, his gestures have been practical yet deeply meaningful.
- Life Experience: His previous long marriage and role as a father add depth to his identity.
Public and Media Curiosity
When Miranda Hart revealed her marriage, fans and tabloids immediately sought information about the man behind the name. The curiosity stems from how rarely Hart shares personal details, combined with the surprise that her husband came from an everyday professional background.
Media outlets such as The Telegraph, Independent, and Daily Mail have published stories highlighting the “secretive” nature of the wedding and the quiet charm of Fairs’ personality.
This fascination reflects society’s tendency to romanticize relationships where celebrities fall in love with ordinary, grounded individuals.
Conclusion: Richard Fairs’ Life Beyond Fame
Ultimately, Richard Fairs is not just “Miranda Hart’s husband.” He is a successful surveyor, a family man, a business professional, and now a supportive partner in Hart’s personal and professional journey. His story blends the practical world of building consultancy with the colorful life of one of Britain’s most celebrated comedians.
For those who admire Miranda Hart, understanding who Richard Fairs is provides a glimpse into the grounded support system behind her enduring career and resilience.
At its heart, the story of Richard Fairs is one of unexpected turns, second chances, and the blending of ordinary expertise with extraordinary love.
Final Note
This article was prepared for readers of Newtly, where we bring you in-depth stories about public figures, relationships, and inspiring lives that shape today’s conversations.
