He has a son named Thomas from his marriage to Helen Weir.
He was Emmerdale Farm's longest-serving cast member at the time of his death [28 years].
He turned his attention to acting after his music career ended, attending the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before going into repertory theatre.
He started out as an accounts clerk.
Has worn the same flat cap in Emmerdale since he first appearance on the show.