Mini Biography

Born: 7 December 1943, Warrington, Lancashire, England. 

Sue Johnston, a name synonymous with British television, was born Susan Pammenter in the heartland of England. Growing up in a working-class environment, she developed a keen sense of humour and a deep connection to ordinary people that would later define her acting career. Her formative years were marked by a spirit of resilience and a determination to explore the world beyond her hometown.

A spark ignited within Johnston when she discovered the world of drama. This led her to pursue formal training at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. The academy provided the young actress with a solid foundation in acting techniques and a platform to hone her craft. It was during these years that she began to develop her distinctive style, characterised by authenticity and a natural ability to connect with audiences.

Johnston’s career took flight in the 1980s when she landed a pivotal role in the groundbreaking soap opera, Brookside. Her portrayal of Sheila Grant, a complex and multifaceted character, brought her widespread recognition and acclaim.

However, it was her subsequent role as Barbara Royle in the sitcom The Royle Family that cemented her status as a national treasure. Her portrayal of the outspoken and often hilarious matriarch of the Royle family captured the hearts of millions of viewers. Johnston’s comedic timing and ability to find humour in the mundane were instrumental in the show’s enduring success.

In her personal life, Sue Johnston is known for her down-to-earth nature and her passion for social causes. A devoted mother and grandmother, Johnston has been a vocal champion for LGBTQ+ rights and a steadfast supporter of the Labour Party.

 

Suggested viewing

 

The Royle Family (1998)

 

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2

The Royle Family is a comedic portrait of working-class life, centered around a dysfunctional yet endearing family. With a sharp wit and observational humour, the show captures the mundane joys and frustrations of everyday existence, all while offering a warm and relatable look at family dynamics.

Top cast: Sue Johnston, Ricky Tomlinson, Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash, Ralf Little, Jessica Hynes, Liz Smith, Peter Martin, Doreen Keogh, Geoffrey Hughes, Sheridan Smith.

 

Jam & Jerusalem (2006)

 

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.7

Jam & Jerusalem is a heartwarming comedy-drama following the lives of women in a small English village. Centered around a local Women’s Institute, the series explores friendship, community and personal growth through the lens of humourous and relatable characters, tackling themes of loss, resilience and the enduring spirit of village life.

Top cast: Jennifer Saunders, Salima Saxton, Dawn French, Maggie Steed, Rosie Cavaliero, Sally Phillips, Sue Johnston, David Mitchell, Pauline McGlynn.

 

Waking the Dead (2000)

 

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.9

“Waking the Dead” follows a London police team dedicated to reopening cold cases. This team, composed of detectives, a psychologist and a forensic expert, utilises advanced technology to unearth hidden clues and bring forgotten victims’ stories back into the spotlight.

Top cast: Trevor Eve, Tara Fitzgerald, Sue Johnston, Claire Goose, Wiil Johnson, Felicite du Jeu, Esther Hall, Holly Aird.

 

Rovers (2016)

 

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 6.4

Rovers is a British sitcom centered around the lives of the regulars at a struggling non-league football club’s social club. With Doreen as the matriarchal bar manager and a colourful cast of locals including the fanatical Pete, his best friend Tel and the troubled duo Lee and Bruce, the series offers a humorous and heartwarming look at the everyday lives and eccentric personalities of these working-class characters, all bonded by their shared love for the underachieving Rovers football team.

Top cast: Craig Cash, Sue Johnston, Steve Speirs, Lolly Adefope, Jamie Demetriou, Diane Morgan, Pearce Quigley, Joe Wilkinson, David Earl.

 

The Cockfields (2019)

 

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.4

The Cockfields is a comedy series centered around Simon, a man returning to his Isle of Wight family home with his girlfriend for his 40th birthday. A weekend from hell ensues as Simon is trapped with a dysfunctional family: a domineering mother, an egotistical stepbrother and his father’s younger girlfriend.

Top cast: Sue Johnston, Diane Morgan, Joe Wilkinson, Ben Rufus Green, Susannah Fielding, Sarah Parish, Gregor Fisher, Nigel Havers, Michele Dotrice, Bobby Ball, David Earl.

 

Full filmography @ Wikipedia

Mini Biography

Born: 25 March 1989, London, England. 

Matthew Beard attended King Ecgbert School in Sheffield, where he excelled academically, achieving top grades in his A-Level subjects in 2007. His academic prowess led him to the University of York, where he pursued a degree in English and French literature.

Matthew Beard’s career took off with his feature film debut in the drama “And When Did You Last See Your Father?” in 2007. His portrayal of Blake Morrison as a teenager garnered attention and set the stage for more significant roles. In 2009, he starred as the shy Graham in the critically acclaimed film “An Education,” which earned multiple Academy Award nominations. Beard’s ability as an actor was further showcased in “The Imitation Game” (2014), where he played mathematician Peter Hilton, a key member of Alan Turing’s team.

Beard’s talent extended beyond the silver screen. In 2015, he joined Bill Nighy and Carey Mulligan in the David Hare play “Skylight” in the West End and on Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play. His stage presence was further solidified with his role as Edmund Tyrone in the 2018 revival of “Long Day’s Journey into Night” in the West End and at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

In television, Beard is best known for his role as Max Lieberman in the BBC series “Vienna Blood” (2019-) and as Deputy Alan Lewis in the HBO series “Avenue 5” (2020).

In addition to his acting pursuits, Beard has also ventured into modelling. In 2011, he modelled for the English clothing label Burberry and in 2015 he worked for Prada. His striking looks and charismatic presence have made him a sought-after figure in the fashion industry as well.

 

Suggested viewing

 

Vienna Blood (2019)

 

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.6

Top cast: Matthew Beard, Juergen Maurer, Luise von Finckh, Amelia Bullmore, Conleth Hill, Charlene McKenna, Raphael von Bargen, Jessica De Gouw, Simon Hatzl, Lucy Griffiths.

 

Full filmography @ Wikipedia

Mini Biography

Born: 3 July 1958, Frome, Somerset, England. 

Charlie Higson is a multi-talented actor, comedian, author and former singer. His early life was marked by a diverse range of interests and experiences that would later shape his eclectic career. Higson attended Sevenoaks School in Kent, where he developed a passion for the arts. His early education laid a strong foundation for his future endeavours in literature and entertainment.

After completing his schooling, Higson pursued higher education at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich. It was here that he met Paul Whitehouse, David Cummings and Terry Edwards, who would become his lifelong friends and collaborators. At UEA, Higson studied English and American Literature, a choice that reflected his deep-seated love for storytelling and the written word. During his time at university, he also formed the band The Higsons, where he served as the lead singer from 1980 to 1986. This period was marked by a vibrant punk rock scene and Higson’s involvement in music added another layer to his creative repertoire.

Charlie Higson’s career in film and television began to take shape in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He started writing for Harry Enfield with Paul Whitehouse and performing comedy, which eventually led to his breakthrough as one of the main writers and performers of the BBC Two sketch show “The Fast Show” (1994–2000). This show became a cultural phenomenon, known for its quick-fire sketches and memorable characters. Higson’s versatility as a performer and writer was evident in his ability to create and portray a wide range of comedic personas.

In addition to “The Fast Show,” Charlie Higson’s notable television appearances include his work on the radio comedy “Down the Line,” the film thriller “Suite 16,” and the BBC Three sitcom “Swiss Toni.” He also worked as a producer, writer, director and occasional guest star on “Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased)” from 2000 to 2001. In 2013, Higson adapted Agatha Christie’s “A Caribbean Mystery” for ITV’s “Agatha Christie’s Marple” series, further cementing his reputation as a skilled storyteller.

Charlie Higson has also made significant contributions to literature, particularly in the genres of young adult fiction and horror. He is best known for two major series: the Young Bond series and The Enemy series.

He is married to Victoria L. Fullick and together they have three sons. The family resides in London, where Higson continues to balance his work in television, film and literature. Despite his busy schedule, he finds time to indulge in his hobbies, which include gardening, a passion that provides a tranquil counterpoint to his often hectic professional life.

 

Suggested viewing

 

The Fast Show (1994)

 

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.2

Top cast: Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson, Arabella Weir, Simon Day, John Thomson, Caroline Aherne, Mark Williams, Colin McFarlane, Rhys Thomas.

 

Full filmography @ Wikipedia

Mini Biography

Born: 30 May 1961, Horsham, Sussex, England. 

Harry Enfield is the eldest of four children. His father, Edward Enfield, was a well-known television, radio and newspaper journalist, while his mother, Deirdre Jenkins, was a homemaker. The Enfield family has a notable lineage, being descendants of the 19th-century philanthropist Edward Enfield. Growing up in a family with a strong media presence, Enfield was exposed to the world of entertainment from a young age.

Enfield attended three private schools: Arundale School in Pulborough and Dorset House School and Worth School, both located in West Sussex.

He later attended Collyer’s Sixth Form College before enrolling at the University of York. At York, he was a member of Derwent College and studied politics. During his university years, Harry’s interest in comedy and performance began to take shape, leading him to squat in Hackney and work as a milkman while pursuing his passion for comedy.

Harry Enfield’s career took off when he appeared on Channel 4’s “Saturday Live,” where he introduced several memorable characters created with Paul Whitehouse. Among these were Stavros, a Greek kebab shop owner and Loadsamoney, an obnoxious plasterer who became a cultural phenomenon. His success on “Saturday Live” led to the creation of “Harry Enfield’s Television Programme,” which later evolved into “Harry Enfield and Chums.” These shows featured iconic characters such as Kevin the Teenager, Tim Nice-But-Dim, Smashie and Nicey, and The Scousers.

In addition to his television work, Harry has appeared in several films, including “Kevin & Perry Go Large” (2000), where he reprised his role as Kevin the Teenager and “Churchill: The Hollywood Years” (2004), where he played King George VI. He also starred in “The Bad Education Movie” (2015) and had a recurring role in the television series “Bad Education”. Enfield’s versatility as a comedian and actor has made him a beloved figure in British comedy.

In 2016, he played the role of William Shakespeare’s father in the TV comedy “Upstart Crow”. Since then, he has been portraying Prince Charles in the comedy TV show “The Windsors”.

Harry Enfield married Lucy Lyster in 1997 and the couple have three children together. However, their marriage faced challenges and in 2020, it was reported that Harry had moved out of the family home. The couple announced their separation in August 2020.

Throughout his career, Enfield has left a unique mark on British comedy with his extraordinary characters and satirical humour. His ability to capture the essence of various personas and bring them to life has earned him a special place in the hearts of audiences. As he continues to entertain and inspire, Harry Enfield’s legacy as a comedian and actor remains strong.

 

Suggested viewing

 

Harry Enfield and Chums (1994)

 

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.5

Harry Enfield and Chums is a sketch comedy series that aired in the 1990s, showcasing a vibrant cast of comedic characters. From the irritatingly precocious Kevin to the politically incorrect Tory Boy, the show delivered a satirical and often absurd take on British society and culture through a series of quick-fire sketches.

Top cast: Harry Enfield, Kathy Burke, Paul Whitehouse, Louisa Rix, Gary Bleasdale, Stephen Moore, Mark Moraghan, David Barber, Jon Glover, Georgie Glen, Caroline Harker, Ewen Bremner, Julia St John, Martin Clunes.

 

Harry Enfield’s Television Programme (1990)

 

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3

Harry Enfield’s Television Programme, a cornerstone of British comedy, introduced a pantheon of absurd and relatable characters. With biting satire and impeccable comic timing, the show skewered everything from teenage angst to the foibles of the elderly. A blend of surreal humour and sharp social commentary, it catapulted Enfield and his ensemble into the comedy stratosphere, leaving an enduring legacy of laughter and cultural impact.

Top cast: Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse, Kathy Burke, Jon Glover, Aden Gillett, Joe McGann, Martin Clunes, Nathaniel Parker, Caroline Quentin.

 

Ruddy Hell! It’s Harry and Paul (2007)

 

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.3

Ruddy Hell! It’s Harry and Paul is a sketch comedy series renowned for its irreverent and often politically incorrect humour. The show masterfully blends satire and absurdity, tackling social issues and stereotypes with a sharp wit. Featuring a dynamic duo at the helm, the series delivers a potent mix of crude comedy and intelligent observation.

Top cast: Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse, Sophie Winkleman, Alice Lowe, Catherine Shepherd, Laura Solon, Simon Day, Kevin Eldon, Daniel Kaluuya, Morwenna Banks.

 

Harry & Paul’s Story of the 2s (2014)

 

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4

Harry & Paul’s Story of the 2s is a comedic romp through the history of BBC Two. With their signature blend of satire and absurdity, the duo parodies iconic shows and personalities from the channel’s past. From its humble beginnings to the present day, the special offers a hilarious and nostalgic look at the network’s impact on British television.

Top cast: Harry Enfield, Paul Whitehouse, Kevin Eldon, Rhys Thomas, Simon Greenall, Joseph Morpurgo, Catherine Shepherd, Rosie Cavaliero, Justin Edwards, Lucy Montgomery, Elliot Speller-Gillott.

 

The Windsors (2016)

 

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 7.2

The Windsors is a satirical comedy series that reimagines the British royal family as a dysfunctional soap opera. With exaggerated personalities and absurd plotlines, the show parodies the public image of the Windsors, exploring their private lives and the pressures of royal life through a comedic lens, often poking fun at their public relations efforts and the media’s obsession with them.

Top cast: Hugh Skinner, Louise Ford, Harry Enfield, Haydn Gwynne, Celeste Dring, Ellie White, Richard Goulding, Kathryn Drysdale, Morgana Robinson, Katy Wix, Matthew Cottle, Tim Wallers, Vicki Pepperdine.

 

Kevin & Perry Go Large (2000)

 

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 5.7

Two socially awkward teenage boys, obsessed with losing their virginity and finding fame as DJs, convince their parents to accompany them on a holiday to Ibiza. Amidst the island’s vibrant nightlife, they encounter a world-famous DJ, pursue their romantic aspirations and grapple with a series of misadventures, all while trying to maintain their innocence and avoid complete humiliation.

Top cast: Harry Enfield, Kathy Burke, Rhys Ifans, Laura Fraser, James Fleet, Louisa Rix, Tabitha Wady, Paul Whitehouse, Natasha Little.

 

Harry Enfield @ Wikipedia

Mini Biography

Born: 2 January 1961, Doncaster, England. 

Neil Dudgeon attended Intake Secondary Modern and performed in school productions, such as “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.” This early spark ignited a passion that led him to pursue a drama degree at the University of Bristol from 1979 to 1982.

Neil Dudgeon’s professional career began taking shape in the early 1990s. He landed roles in television series like “The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries” and “Patria,” showcasing his versatility in both period dramas and contemporary thrillers. He wasn’t afraid to delve into comedic territory either, as evidenced by his appearance in the 1994 film “Different for Girls.”

The year 1997 proved to be a pivotal one for Dudgeon as he joined the cast of the now-iconic detective series “Midsomer Murders.” While his initial role in “Midsomer Murders” was relatively minor, fate had something even bigger in store.

John Nettles, the long-standing lead detective in “Midsomer Murders”, announced his departure from the show. The producers faced the daunting task of finding a successor who could embody the spirit of the series while bringing their own unique touch. Enter Neil Dudgeon.

Neil Dudgeon was cast as Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby, the cousin of Nettles’ character. He debuted in the 2011 episode “The Dark Rider,” and the audience embraced him with open arms. Dudgeon’s portrayal of Barnaby, with his dry wit and sharp mind, seamlessly blended with the show’s established formula of quirky characters and idyllic yet deadly villages.

Under Dudgeon’s leadership, “Midsomer Murders” has continued to thrive, maintaining its status as one of the most popular detective series in the world. He has brought a fresh perspective to the show while honouring its legacy.

Neil Dudgeon is married to Mary Peate and they have two children, Greta and Joe.

 

Suggested viewing

 

Midsomer Murders (1997)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.9

A wily detective tackles a string of murders plaguing the idyllic villages of a seemingly peaceful English county. Beneath the quaint exteriors lurk dark secrets and eccentric characters, making every resident a suspect as the detective investigates motives hidden amongst the roses and scones.

Top cast: John Nettles, Neil Dudgeon, Jane Wymark, Barry Jackson, Fiona Dolman, Jason Hughes, Laura Howard, Daniel Casey Sykes, Nick Hendrix, Kirsty Dillon, Annette Badland, Tamzin Malleson, Gwilym LeeJohn Hopkins, Manjinder Virk.

 

Neil Dudgeon full filmography @ Wikipedia