Clive Myrie is married to Catherine Myrie, a professional furniture restorer and upholsterer who has been his partner for over thirty years. The couple first met in 1992 at a book launch in London—specifically for a book about Swiss cheeses—where Catherine was working in the publishing industry. They married six years later, in 1998, at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Covent Garden, just as Clive was beginning his prestigious role as the BBC’s Los Angeles correspondent. In 2026, Catherine remains a largely private figure, though she is frequently credited by Clive as the foundational support behind his award-winning career in broadcast journalism. Living in Islington, North London, the couple is known for their shared passion for travel, jazz, and the arts, maintaining a resilient partnership that has spanned Clive’s transition from a frontline foreign correspondent to the face of Mastermind and BBC News. This article explores Catherine’s professional background, their unique “love at first sight” origin story, and the practical details of their life together in 2026.
The Meeting: A “Cheesy” Love Story
The romantic history of Clive and Catherine Myrie began in a quintessentially London fashion at a media event in 1992. At the time, Catherine was established in the publishing world, a career she maintained for several years before transitioning into her current artisanal craft.
The Encounter: They met at a promotional launch for a book focused on Swiss cheeses. Clive has famously described the moment as “love at first sight,” noting that he was immediately struck by her presence.
The Relationship: The pair dated for six years, building a strong foundation while Clive navigated the early, high-pressure years of his journalism career at the BBC.
The Wedding: They tied the knot in 1998 in a traditional ceremony in Covent Garden. The timing was particularly hectic, as Clive had just been appointed to the United States, requiring the newlyweds to move across the Atlantic shortly after their honeymoon.
Catherine’s background in publishing provided her with an insider’s understanding of the media world, which Clive has suggested was vital during his years reporting from dangerous conflict zones. Her “reserved and shy” nature, as Clive describes it, acts as a grounding balance to his highly public and often intense professional persona.
Catherine Myrie’s Professional Career
While her husband is one of the most recognizable faces on British television, Catherine Myrie has carved out a successful and specialized career in the world of antique restoration and upholstery.
After leaving the publishing industry, Catherine pursued her passion for interiors and manual craftsmanship. She is a skilled furniture restorer and upholsterer, a role that reflects the couple’s shared interest in history and “rummaging through antique shops.” This career choice allows her to work away from the public eye, focusing on the meticulous preservation of heritage pieces. In 2026, her work is highly regarded in North London circles, and Clive often jokes that her “particular” eye for detail is why their home renovations, such as those that occurred in 2023 and 2024, are handled with such precision.
Their Life in North London and Beyond
In 2026, Clive and Catherine Myrie reside in Islington, North London, a neighborhood they have called home for many years. Their lifestyle is a blend of quiet domesticity and high-end cultural exploration.
A Shared Love for Italy
Italy holds a deeply significant place in the Myries’ marriage. They holiday there every year, often with a close-knit group of friends. Clive’s 40th birthday was celebrated on the Amalfi Coast, and their love for the country eventually inspired the BBC series Clive Myrie’s Italian Road Trip. While Catherine was originally slated to appear on camera for the series, she ultimately chose to stay behind to manage home renovations, showcasing her preference for privacy over the spotlight.
The Secret to a Long Marriage
Clive has often been asked about the longevity of their relationship in an industry known for high divorce rates. He famously cited a piece of advice inspired by Sir Michael Caine: separate bathrooms. Beyond the physical space, he credits their success to Catherine giving him the “courage and space” to pursue his dreams, as well as the fact that they maintain distinct identities and interests outside of their marriage.
Family Life and the Decision on Children
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Myries is whether they have children. Clive has been open and candid about this aspect of their personal life in recent years.
The couple does not have children. In interviews, Clive has explained that they did try to start a family earlier in their marriage, but it “wasn’t happening.” Eventually, as Clive’s career as a foreign correspondent took them to various global outposts, they realized that their lifestyle—defined by constant travel and unpredictable assignments—might not be fair to a child. They ultimately decided that it wasn’t the right path for them, instead focusing on their large extended families and their roles as doting “great-uncles” and “uncles” to their siblings’ children.
Practical Information and FAQ for 2026
If you are following Clive Myrie’s career or looking for more information on the couple’s public engagements in 2026, here are the essential details.
Current Residence: Islington, North London.
Public Appearances: Catherine occasionally joins Clive for major industry events, such as the BAFTAs or royal garden parties, though she rarely gives interviews.
Travel Habits: They are most likely to be found on the Amalfi Coast or in the Tuscan countryside during the summer months.
Media: For a deeper look at how Catherine influenced Clive’s life, his 2023 memoir, Everything is Everything: A Memoir of Love, Hate & Hope, contains several moving tributes to her support.
FAQs
Who is Clive Myrie’s wife?
Clive Myrie is married to Catherine Myrie, a furniture restorer and former publishing professional.
How did Clive and Catherine Myrie meet?
They met in 1992 at a London book launch for a book about Swiss cheeses.
When did Clive Myrie get married?
The couple married in 1998 at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Covent Garden, London.
What does Catherine Myrie do for a living?
She is a professional upholsterer and furniture restorer, having previously worked in the publishing industry.
Does Clive Myrie have any children?
No, Clive and Catherine do not have children. They decided together that it wasn’t the right fit for their travel-heavy lifestyle.
Where do Clive and Catherine Myrie live?
They live in Islington, North London, where they have resided for over two decades.
Is Catherine Myrie in Clive’s Italian Road Trip?
She was supposed to join him for the filming, but she did not appear on camera, opting to stay in London to oversee home builders.
What is the “separate bathrooms” rule?
Clive jokingly credits separate bathrooms as a key to their long-lasting marriage, emphasizing the importance of having personal space.
Has Catherine Myrie written a book?
No, Catherine has not published a book; she is the subject of several chapters in Clive’s 2023 autobiography.
What are Catherine Myrie’s hobbies?
She is known to enjoy jazz music, visiting antique shops, and traveling across Europe, particularly Italy.
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