My dad was a vicar just south of Leeds, Yorkshire and my mum a drama teacher. For many years I lived in the Yorkshire Dales but am now based in Cambridge.

My first TV role after graduating from the Central School of Speech and Drama, London in 1977 was Coronation Street (1979) and I have over 46 years film/TV experience, appearing in more than 50 productions, including Barry in The Full Monty, for which I received a SAG award for outstanding performance by a cast.

My first love is drama comedy... usually as a northerner.

I hold a BA in English and History from Leeds Beckett University (1988) and a BA (Hons) Painting (2024) from the University for the Creative Arts.

I am a proud voting member of BAFTA.

When not acting I am a self-employed abstract artist.