Saskia Reeves is a prolific British actress most famous in 2026 for her portrayal of Catherine Standish in the hit Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses, a role she has played since the series debuted in 2022. Born on August 16, 1961, Reeves has built a distinguished career spanning four decades across stage, television, and film, known for her ability to bring quiet intensity and emotional depth to complex characters. In addition to her recent success in Slow Horses, she is highly regarded for her early career breakout in the 1991 film Close My Eyes and her compelling performance as the mother in the 2024 film The Outrun alongside Saoirse Ronan. As of early 2026, she continues to be a mainstay of British drama, recently completing a starring run in the David Eldridge play End at the National Theatre.
Slow Horses and Catherine Standish
As of 2026, Saskia Reeves is synonymous with the character of Catherine Standish, the administrative backbone of Slough House in Slow Horses. Her character is a recovering alcoholic and the former secretary to a legendary MI5 figure, serving as a moral compass in a world of cynical spies.
The series, based on Mick Herron’s Slough House novels, has been renewed through Season 7, with Reeves’ performance consistently cited as a “beautifully judged” anchor to the show’s chaotic energy. Her chemistry with Gary Oldman’s Jackson Lamb is a central pillar of the show, highlighting the quiet resilience of those “long in the tooth” within the intelligence services.
Early Life and Training
Saskia Reeves was born in Paddington, London, to a Dutch mother and an English father, a background that contributed to her versatile range. She grew up in Twickenham and attended the Lady Eleanor Holles School before pursuing formal training.
She studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, a prestigious institution that has produced many of the UK’s finest actors. Before her screen breakthrough, she cut her teeth in puppet shows and satirical revues at the Covent Garden Community Theatre, experiences that helped develop her comedic timing and stage presence.
Breakout Film Roles: 1990s
The 1990s marked a period of significant growth for Reeves, where she became a favorite of several prominent British directors. Her most controversial and celebrated role came in Stephen Poliakoff’s Close My Eyes (1991).
Close My Eyes (1991): She played Natalie, a woman involved in an incestuous affair with her brother (played by Clive Owen), a role that demanded immense vulnerability and solidified her as a major talent.
I.D. (1995): Reeves appeared in this cult classic about football hooliganism, showcasing her ability to fit into gritty, high-tension dramas.
Butterfly Kiss (1995): Starring alongside Amanda Plummer, she played a woman pulled into a dark, road-trip crime spree, demonstrating her range in avant-garde cinema.
Notable Television Career
Beyond Slow Horses, Saskia Reeves has appeared in some of the most critically acclaimed British television series of the 21st century. Her presence often signals a high-quality production, whether she is playing a lead or a pivotal supporting character.
Major Drama Credits
She starred as DSU Rose Teller in the first season of Luther (2010), providing a steady hand against Idris Elba’s volatile detective. In 2020, she won praise for her role as Connie Petersen in Us, a four-part adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel about a family trip across Europe intended to save a marriage. Other significant credits include Wolf Hall, Shetland, Wallander, and the 2000 miniseries Frank Herbert’s Dune, where she played Lady Jessica.
Theater and Recent 2025–2026 Work
Reeves has never strayed far from the stage, frequently returning to London’s most prestigious theaters. In late 2025 and early 2026, she starred in the world premiere of End at the National Theatre’s Dorfman stage.
End (2025/2026): Reunited with her Close My Eyes co-star Clive Owen, she played Julie in David Eldridge’s final installment of a relationship trilogy.
The Outrun (2024): On the big screen, she played Annie, the mother of Saoirse Ronan’s character, in this adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s memoir about recovery and the Orkney Islands.
Awards and Recognition: Throughout 2025, she received several nominations for her ensemble work in Slow Horses, including nods at the BAFTAs and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans looking to follow Saskia Reeves’ work or see her live in the future, here is the essential information for 2026:
Streaming Slow Horses: All current seasons (1 through 5) are available exclusively on Apple TV+.
Watching The Outrun: The film is available for digital purchase and streaming on major platforms as of February 2026.
Theater Tickets: While the run of End at the National Theatre concluded in January 2026, fans should monitor the National Theatre at Home platform for a potential digital release of the production.
Upcoming Projects: Look for her in the upcoming Season 6 of Slow Horses, expected to premiere in late 2026.
FAQs
Who is Saskia Reeves?
Saskia Reeves is an acclaimed British actress known for her extensive work in TV, film, and theater, currently starring in the spy series Slow Horses.
Who does Saskia Reeves play in Slow Horses?
She plays Catherine Standish, the office administrator at Slough House and a key ally to Jackson Lamb.
How old is Saskia Reeves in 2026?
Born in 1961, Saskia Reeves is 64 years old as of August 2025.
Is Saskia Reeves Dutch?
She is of mixed heritage; her mother was Dutch and her father was English. She was born and raised in London.
What was Saskia Reeves’ breakout role?
Her breakout role is widely considered to be Natalie in the 1991 film Close My Eyes, directed by Stephen Poliakoff.
Was Saskia Reeves in Dune?
Yes, she played Lady Jessica in the 2000 TV miniseries Frank Herbert’s Dune.
Did Saskia Reeves star with Clive Owen?
Yes, they starred together in the 1991 film Close My Eyes and reunited in the 2025/2026 play End at the National Theatre.
Is Catherine Standish dead in Slow Horses?
As of the start of 2026, Catherine Standish is alive and remains a main character in the ongoing series.
Where did Saskia Reeves train?
She trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
What other TV shows has she been in?
Notable shows include Luther, Wolf Hall, Us, Shetland, Belgravia, and Roadkill.
Does Saskia Reeves do voice work?
Yes, she is a sought-after voice actress for narration, commercials, and audiobooks, recently narrating the documentary Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game.
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