Keira Knightley reveals one rule with a husband that safeguards marriage: ‘As Long as the OCD Stays in the Kitchen, the Marriage Survives!’

Keira Knightley, known for keeping her family life largely private, has revealed the one rule that helps maintain harmony in her marriage to musician James Righton. The couple, who married in 2013 in a quaint ceremony in the South of France, share two daughters—Edie, 9, and Delilah, 5. In a recent interview on BBC Radio 6, Knightley shared a humorous but effective approach to keeping their relationship strong, especially when it comes to Christmas dinner.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star revealed that her husband, who is very particular about food, takes charge of the Christmas feast every year. “He’s the cook! He’s a good cook. He loves food, he’s a good cook and he’s also a little bit OCD,” Knightley explained. She added with a laugh, “As long as the OCD stays in the kitchen, then the marriage survives!”

Knightley went on to explain that while James’ obsessive tendencies may be a bit extreme in the kitchen, she has no problem with it—as long as it doesn’t spill over into other parts of their home. “He’s allowed to be as OCD as he likes in the kitchen but it’s not allowed to come out of the kitchen! But that does mean Christmas dinner will be very, very good,” she said.

The actress shared that they have found a balance in their relationship by setting clear boundaries, with the kitchen serving as a “safe zone” for James’ perfectionist tendencies. “We have found like as far as trying to keep a relationship, you know, OK for a while, if one person does have a bit of OCD, you have to give them places where it’s allowed. And then places where it’s not allowed!” Knightley quipped.

She made it clear that if James’ OCD behavior were to extend beyond the kitchen, there would be consequences. “If it comes into the living room, not happy,” Knightley joked, adding, “Divorce! Unfortunately.”

It seems that this practical, yet humorous, approach to managing their differences helps keep the couple’s marriage thriving—especially when it comes to their famous Christmas dinners.