Kevin Whately TV Schedule

A descendant of Thomas Whately, a leading merchant and writer who became director of the Bank of England, and Major Robert Thompson, a pioneer tobacco plantation owner in Virginia. His maternal grandmother, Doris Phillips, was a professional concert singer, and his great-great-grandfather, Richard Whately, was Anglican Archbishop of Dublin. Began studying accountancy before becoming an actor.

Was an amateur actor at the People's Theatre in Newcastle, England, in the 1970s, before turning professional. In 2011, he returned to celebrate the theatre's centenary. Earned a living as a folk singer when he was young.

Presented with the honorary Doctor of Arts award by the University of Bedfordshire in 2013, for his outstanding achievements in acting. Almost turned down the opportunity to reprise his signature role as Robbie Lewis in the spin-off ITV crime series, Lewis. Announced his retirement from acting in 2015 after the end of the ninth and final series of Lewis after playing the character intermittently for 28 years.

Was the patron of the Central School of Speech and Drama Full House Theatre Company in 2011. In 2014, was one of 200 public figures who were signatories to a letter to The Guardian expressing the hope that Scotland would vote to remain part of the UK in the Independence Referendum. Enjoys rock music and plays the guitar.

Would like to have played cricket professionally for England.