Sometimes love shows up in the most unexpected places — even in the middle of a home repair. That’s exactly what happened to British comedian Miranda Hart when she met Richard Fairs, a building surveyor from Bristol. What started as a simple house visit to fix mould soon turned into one of the sweetest love stories in British entertainment.
Today, everyone wants to know: Who is Richard Fairs? What does he do? How did this quiet, down-to-earth man win the heart of one of the funniest women on TV?
In this article, we’ll take a warm and easy look at Richard Fairs’ life — his early years, education, career, and the beautiful love story that surprised everyone. You’ll get to know not just the man behind the headlines, but also the kind, hardworking person who built both a career and a happy home.
Early Life of Richard Fairs
Richard Fairs was born in England in February 1964. While he’s known today for his professional skills and calm personality, his early life was quite simple and humble. He grew up in a family that valued honesty, hard work, and kindness — qualities that have followed him throughout his life.
As a young boy, Richard was curious about how things worked. He enjoyed looking at old buildings and loved learning how they were designed and built. This early fascination with structure and design slowly guided him toward a career that would combine both creativity and logic — building surveying.
Although Richard doesn’t talk much about his private life, it’s clear he carried a quiet determination from a young age. That same steady focus helped him later become one of the most respected professionals in his field.
Education and Training in Building Surveying
Richard’s education journey shows how serious he was about learning and doing things the right way. He studied Building Surveying at Thames Polytechnic (now known as the University of Greenwich) and graduated with a BSc degree in 1987. His studies gave him a solid understanding of how buildings are designed, built, and maintained.
But Richard didn’t stop there. He continued learning and later earned a Diploma in Building Conservation in 2004. This special qualification made him an expert in caring for historic and listed buildings, where preservation requires extra skill and respect for history.
Education, for Richard Fairs, wasn’t just about getting degrees — it was about learning to solve real-world problems. His knowledge of both modern and old structures made him stand out in the competitive world of property consulting.
Richard Fairs’ Career Journey in Surveying
After finishing his studies, Richard Fairs began his professional life in the early 1980s. He started as a trainee at Rumball Sedgwick in Watford, where he learned the basics of surveying and construction. Those early years taught him valuable lessons — from understanding how to spot structural issues to learning how to work closely with clients.
He later moved on to other respected firms, including Hogben Smith Barritt in London and J Trevor & Sons. These roles gave him hands-on experience with many types of properties, from small cottages to large commercial buildings. Over time, Richard developed a reputation for being precise, dependable, and easy to work with.
While some people chase fame or quick success, Richard focused on doing quality work. His calm attitude, attention to detail, and honesty soon helped him build trust with clients and colleagues alike. It was clear that he wasn’t just another surveyor — he was someone who truly cared about his craft.
Building The Building Consultancy Ltd
In 1997, Richard decided to take a big step and start his own company — The Building Consultancy Ltd, based in Bristol. His goal was simple: to offer expert advice and reliable service without all the red tape of larger firms.
The company quickly earned a strong reputation for building condition surveys, dilapidation reports, and conservation planning. Richard’s personal touch made clients feel valued and understood. He didn’t just inspect buildings — he explained things clearly, gave honest feedback, and helped property owners make smart, confident decisions.
Even after decades in the field, Richard remains deeply involved in his business. Unlike many directors who only sit behind desks, he prefers to visit sites himself. His hands-on style and friendly communication keep clients coming back, making The Building Consultancy one of the most trusted names in Bristol.
Richard Fairs’ Work with Heritage Buildings
One of the things that make Richard Fairs stand out is his love for historic buildings. Old churches, Victorian homes, and centuries-old cottages — these aren’t just structures to him. They are pieces of history that deserve to be cared for and protected.
Thanks to his Diploma in Building Conservation, Richard is often called to assess and repair listed buildings that require delicate, specialist work. He helps owners restore old buildings without losing their charm or original character.
Whether it’s repairing a cracked stone wall or advising on a full renovation plan, Richard always focuses on preserving history while keeping the building safe and practical for modern use. His careful approach has earned him respect not only from clients but also from fellow professionals who admire his dedication to traditional craftsmanship.
The Quiet Life Before the Spotlight
Before his name appeared in newspapers and entertainment stories, Richard Fairs lived a calm and private life in Bristol. For more than 25 years, he was married to Jeanne Speight, and together they raised two children. Friends describe him as a devoted father, someone who always balanced his busy career with family time.
For most of his life, Richard stayed far from the media. He preferred a peaceful routine — working on projects, spending time with his kids, and enjoying life outside of the spotlight. His world revolved around buildings, clients, and community — not cameras or celebrity circles.
But everything changed in 2020 when he got a surprising phone call that would lead to a life-changing meeting — a call from a famous actress who needed help with mould in her London home.
How Richard Fairs Met Miranda Hart
It was during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 when Miranda Hart, known for her hit comedy show Miranda, noticed a growing mould problem in her West London home. Looking for a professional, she hired Richard Fairs, a highly recommended building surveyor, to take care of it.
What started as a simple work visit quickly turned into something special. Miranda later joked in her book that she affectionately called him “The Mould Man” or “The Boy from Bristol.” Their first meeting was professional, but there was a spark neither of them expected.
They began chatting casually, finding comfort and humor even in a stressful time. The lockdown made the world slow down — and for Miranda and Richard, that pause allowed something beautiful to grow.
Their story reminds us that love can begin in the simplest of moments — even while fixing mould on a rainy day.
Richard Fairs and Miranda Hart’s Love Story
After that first meeting, things moved naturally between Richard Fairs and Miranda Hart. Their first date was a cozy night at home with pizza — simple but perfect. Miranda humorously shared that her pizza had folded into a calzone, but Richard didn’t seem to mind at all. They talked for hours and laughed through the evening.
Miranda later said she “knew almost instantly” that she was in love with him. For Richard, it was the warmth, honesty, and laughter that made Miranda stand out. Despite coming from very different worlds — one quiet and one filled with fame — their connection felt easy and real.
Their story continued to blossom privately, away from the spotlight. They built a friendship first, then a deep bond that grew stronger through mutual respect and shared humor. In a world full of social media and noise, their love story was refreshingly real and down-to-earth.
Richard Fairs’ Surprise Wedding to Miranda Hart
After a few years of quiet dating, Richard Fairs and Miranda Hart decided to make things official. But they didn’t go for a big celebrity wedding. Instead, they chose something fun, small, and full of heart.
The couple got married on 6 July 2023 at St. Peter and St. Paul Church in Hambledon, Hampshire. The wedding was private, with just close family and friends. The best part? It had a Hawaiian theme! There were inflatable flamingos, coconut bowling, and even a steel band. It was playful, relaxed, and just right for their personalities.
Miranda shared the happy news later in October 2024 during her appearance on The One Show. She called Richard her “best friend” and said she felt so lucky to have found love later in life. The news made fans smile and brought even more attention to Richard Fairs, the kind and quiet man who had captured her heart.
Life as a Stepdad and Husband
Richard Fairs was already a dad before marrying Miranda. He has two children from his previous marriage to Jeanne Speight, which lasted over 25 years. Though he keeps his children out of the public eye, he’s known as a caring and involved father.
Now, Miranda has stepped into the role of stepmother, something she has talked about with warmth and humor. While she doesn’t share much about their family life, it’s clear that they all respect each other’s space and enjoy a peaceful home.
Richard continues to live a calm and grounded life. He supports Miranda as she returns to TV and books, while also focusing on his own work in building conservation. Together, they balance love, family, and daily life — without making it too public.
What Miranda Hart Says About Richard Fairs
Miranda has spoken lovingly about Richard in both her memoir and interviews. In her book, “I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You”, she calls him “The Mould Man” and shares funny and touching stories about their early days together.
She explained how meeting him during her illness was a true gift. Miranda had been dealing with Lyme disease and chronic fatigue (ME), often feeling too tired to even leave her bed. Finding love during that time felt like a miracle.
On The One Show, she said,
“The fact that I met someone during a pandemic, during chronic illness… it’s not some kind of rom-com story, but it’s hope. There is always hope. Things can always change.”
She also shared how much fun they have together, calling him her best friend. Their bond is full of laughter, support, and small, joyful moments — like riding bikes near her home or high-fiving in silly videos.
Richard Fairs’ Life Today
As of 2025, Richard Fairs is still working full-time as the director of The Building Consultancy Ltd. He continues to serve clients in Bristol and across southern England, especially those who need help with heritage buildings and older properties.
Even though he is now known as Miranda Hart’s husband, Richard hasn’t changed who he is. He avoids the spotlight and keeps things private. He still believes in honest work, clear communication, and treating every client with care.
His story has inspired many people. It shows that success doesn’t always mean being loud or famous. Sometimes, real strength comes from being steady, kind, and quietly excellent at what you do.
Final Thoughts
The story of Richard Fairs is full of calm strength, real love, and simple joy. He started with a love for buildings, worked hard, and built a career based on trust and skill. Then, in the most surprising way, he met Miranda Hart — and a new chapter of love began.
Their love story didn’t happen on a movie set or at a fancy party. It happened during a mould repair job in the middle of a lockdown. It’s a reminder that wonderful things can happen when you least expect them — even when you’re not looking.
Whether it’s his quiet career success, his devotion to family, or his sweet marriage to Miranda, Richard shows us that life’s best moments often come with no big plan. Just honesty, kindness, and a bit of surprise.
If you ever feel like love or change is far away, remember Richard Fairs’ story. There is always hope. And sometimes, it comes with a flamingo party and a calzone-shaped pizza.
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