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Andrew Paul
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Andrew Paul (born Paul Andrew Herman; 17 March 1961 in Mile End, London) is an English actor, known for portraying PC Dave Quinnan in the ITV drama The Bill for 13 years. He is also known for his other roles in EastEnders as Maxwell Moon and Coronation Street as Dan Jones.
Key Information
Life and career
[edit]Paul grew up in Manor House, North London, attending Clissold Park Secondary School, Hackney, from the age of 11. He played a member of a gang in "The Destructors", a 1975 episode of the TV series Shades of Greene.[1] At the age of 14, he enrolled at the Anna Scher Theatre School.[2] He appeared in the film Bugsy Malone at 14 [3] and in an episode of the police drama The Sweeney at the age of 16. In 1978, he played Paul Ross in Trevor Preston's innovative crime drama Out.[1] A year later, he took the background role of convict Betts in the cinematic re-make of the controversial borstal film Scum.[1] Betts' character was notable in the film, as he was the only one seen to be released, albeit temporarily, for his wedding.
In 1980, he appeared in "On His Back" a UK government public information film discouraging drinking and driving. He played the role of a formerly disqualified driver struggling to get insurance.[4] He spent much of the 1980s on stage, working with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and played a major role in Going Out,[1] which is about a group of teenagers in the Portsmouth area. He took a part in the 'lukewarmly' received ITV sitcom Tripper's Day[1] in 1984. Set in a supermarket, this was the final television work undertaken by the distinguished British actor Leonard Rossiter prior to his sudden death. Paul stayed in the series when it was re-cast with Bruce Forsyth two years later and renamed Slinger's Day. In 1989, he appeared as an arson suspect in the tenth episode of Inspector Morse.
The Bill
[edit]In 1989, he joined The Bill,[1] a long-running police serial, as PC Dave Quinnan. He had previously appeared as a witness to a crime in series 3, in the episode titled "Missing, Presumed Dead". When the series decided to focus more on the officers themselves and less on crime, Quinnan was given a number of serious story lines. These included being stabbed and beaten up by a gang of youths and having to spend several weeks in hospital on a drip, falling in love and having an affair with a colleague's girlfriend (and marrying her after the affair became public), and then having an extramarital relationship with PC Polly Page (played by Lisa Geoghan). The character was eventually transferred after successfully undertaking undercover work. This move was tied to Paul's decision to leave The Bill after 13 years.[5]
Later work
[edit]He briefly played Maxwell Moon in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders and went on to be a regular cast member in Where the Heart Is, playing Billy Boothe, until the series was axed in 2006. He guest starred in City Homicide and Dracula. He appeared in the ITV series of Lewis shown on ITV and ITV3 in 2014.
In June 2015, Paul started appearing in Coronation Street as the brewery worker Dan Jones,[6] a love interest for Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard).[7]
On 29 October 2016, he made a guest appearance in Casualty. In 2017, he guest starred in the fifth and final season of Episodes. In 2018, in an episode of ITV's Endeavour titled Quartet, he played Joe Dozier, a tobacconist/drinker/wife-beater who was part of an embedded spy ring in Oxford. This appearance makes him one of the few actors to have had parts in all three Inspector Morse TV series.[8] Then in October 2022, he appeared in an episode of the BBC soap opera Doctors as Terry Bedford.[9] In 2025 Paul appeared in the new series of Itv's Unforgotten.
Personal life
[edit]Andrew has been married to Laura Paul since 1985. They have three boys together[5] whom he has kept out of the public domain.[10]
Filmography
[edit]Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Mister Corbett's Ghost | Villager | Television film |
| 1989 | Inspector Morse | Suspect Interviewee | Series 3 Episode 3 Deceived by Flight |
| 1989–2002 | The Bill | PC Dave Quinnan | 716 episodes |
| 2022 | Doctors | Terry Bedford | 1 episode |
Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Bugsy Malone | O'Dreary | |
| 1979 | Scum | Betts | |
| 1983 | The Pirates of Penzance | Pirate #10 | |
| 1987 | Bellman and True | Young Security Guard | |
| 2012 | The Telemachy | Antony |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Padman, Tony (25 October 2014). "Whatever happened to… The Bill's PC Dave Quinnan?". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
- ^ Hayward, Anthony (1996). Who's who on Television. Boxtree. p. 196. ISBN 9780752210674.
- ^ "The Bugsy Malone Cast: Then and Now". uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
- ^ "On His Back - Andrew Paul 1980 - UK Public Information Film". YouTube. 30 July 2017. Archived from the original on 14 December 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
- ^ a b Cunningham, Tessa (23 February 2002). "Why Andrew Copped Out: Interview - Andrew Paul; The Bill's Andrew Paul reveals why he has quit the TV police drama after 12 years. - Free Online Library". The Mirror. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
- ^ Jefferies, Mark (6 May 2015). "Andrew Paul joins Coronation Street: The Bill star to shake up Liz McDonald's world". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
- ^ Brown, David (7 May 2015). "Coronation Street: The Bill star Andrew Paul to play new love interest for Liz McDonald". Radio Times. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
- ^ Goodall, Reece (6 March 2018). "The Boar TV". The Boar. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
- ^ Timblick, Simon. "Doctors spoilers: Valerie Pitman gets Izzie smiling again". What to Watch. (Future plc). Retrieved 29 October 2022.
- ^ Briggs, Zoe (17 January 2017). "Remember The Bill's PC Dave Quinnan? Actor makes surprising career decision". OK! Magazine. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
External links
[edit]- Andrew Paul at IMDb
Andrew Paul
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and education
Childhood and family
Andrew Paul was born Paul Andrew Herman on 17 March 1961 in Mile End, an area in the East End of London, England.[5] He later adopted the professional stage name Andrew Paul for his acting career.[2] Paul grew up in a modest, working-class family, initially in the East End of London before the family moved to Manor House in North London, as one of five brothers.[1] The family faced financial constraints typical of the era.[1] This environment, characterized by the vibrant yet challenging community life of postwar London, exposed him to cultural influences that shaped his early aspirations.[1] From a young age, Paul was captivated by performance, particularly inspired by the elegance of Fred Astaire's dance sequences in black-and-white musical films, which he watched avidly and dreamed of emulating.[1] As he later reflected, "I grew up wanting to be Fred Astaire. I loved watching him in those black and white musicals and was enchanted by the dance sequences that he performed so effortlessly."[1] One of his brothers passed away in 1993, adding a layer of personal tragedy to his family history.[1]Schooling and early training
Paul grew up in Manor House, North London, where his family upbringing provided motivation to pursue acting amid a working-class environment.[6] At the age of 13, he enrolled at the Anna Scher Theatre School in Islington, marking the beginning of his formal acting training.[6] The Anna Scher Theatre School, established in 1968, specialized in nurturing young talent from diverse and often disadvantaged backgrounds in inner-city London, using improvisation to build confidence and social awareness without relying heavily on scripted reading.[7] It drew students from working-class communities in areas like Islington and Hackney, emphasizing natural expression and group dynamics to empower children who might otherwise lack access to arts education.[7] By the mid-1970s, the school had expanded significantly, serving over 1,000 pupils weekly and influencing a generation of actors through its inclusive, after-school model.[8] These sessions emphasized collaboration and authenticity, shaping his approach to character portrayal in later roles.[6]Acting career
Breakthrough roles in film and television (1970s–1980s)
Andrew Paul's acting career began to gain traction in the mid-1970s with his debut in the musical comedy Bugsy Malone (1976), directed by Alan Parker in his feature film directorial debut.[9] The film featured an all-child cast portraying 1920s gangsters in a whimsical, pint-sized rendition of Prohibition-era New York, with Paul playing the dim-witted policeman O'Dreary.[9] Parker, inspired by stories he created to entertain his own children during car trips, assembled the young performers primarily from London theater schools, emphasizing their natural energy and lack of formal screen experience to capture an authentic, playful innocence.[10] This role marked Paul's entry into professional film at age 15 and showcased his versatility in a high-profile production that blended music, dance, and comedy.[2] Building on this momentum, Paul took on more dramatic fare with his appearance as the convict Betts in Scum (1979), a gritty prison drama directed by Alan Clarke. Set in a British borstal—a youth detention center—the film exposed the systemic violence, abuse, and dehumanization within the reform system, drawing from real-life accounts of institutional brutality.[11] Originally produced as a banned BBC Play for Today in 1977 due to its unflinching content, the 1979 theatrical remake amplified its controversy, leading to widespread debate on youth incarceration and censorship in British media.[12] Though Betts was a supporting role, the film's raw intensity and cult status contributed to Paul's emerging reputation for handling tough, realistic characters, contrasting his earlier lighthearted work.[11] In television, Paul secured episodic roles that highlighted his youthful range during the late 1970s, including a teenager in the police procedural The Sweeney episode "Jack or Knave" (1978).[13] He also appeared as a gang member in "The Destructors," a 1975 installment of the anthology series Shades of Greene.[2] These parts, often involving streetwise or troubled youths, aligned with the era's gritty British TV trends and helped establish him as a promising talent in youth-oriented narratives. His early training at the Anna Scher Theatre School from age 14 provided the foundational skills for these demanding roles.[14] As the 1980s progressed, Paul transitioned toward stage work to broaden his portfolio beyond child-centric screen roles, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company for productions like Shout Across the River (1978) by Stephen Poliakoff, where he played Martin in the premiere at the Donmar Warehouse.[15] This shift to theater, including a pirate ensemble role in the film adaptation of The Pirates of Penzance (1983), allowed him to explore ensemble dynamics and mature themes amid the challenges of evolving from adolescent parts to adult versatility in a competitive industry. He further demonstrated this growth in the BBC series Going Out (1981), portraying a lead in a drama about teenagers navigating post-school life, blending his early dramatic instincts with emerging depth.[16]Role in The Bill (1989–2002)
Andrew Paul was cast as Police Constable Dave Quinnan in the ITV police procedural series The Bill in 1989, following a competitive audition process where he beat out several other actors for the role.[17] His first appearance aired in the episode "Chinese Whispers" on December 21, 1989, introducing Quinnan as a sharp, manipulative yet affable uniform officer at the fictional Sun Hill station in east London.[18] Initially portrayed as an ex-electrician who transitioned from oil rig work to policing, Quinnan's early episodes emphasized his streetwise demeanor and quick adaptation to station dynamics.[19] Over the course of 13 years, Paul appeared in 713 episodes as Quinnan, making him one of the show's longest-serving cast members.[2] The character's development saw him evolve from a standard uniform beat officer to a plain-clothes operative during a stint with the Bumblebee squad, where he handled undercover investigations, though he ultimately remained rooted in frontline policing rather than a full transfer to CID.[18] This progression reflected the series' gradual incorporation of more complex procedural elements, allowing Quinnan to engage in varied operations beyond routine patrols. Quinnan's storylines blended police procedural arcs with personal drama, highlighting his role in high-stakes cases such as intervening in internal station feuds between colleagues like PCs Eddie Santini and Rosie Fox to maintain team cohesion.[18] Key personal narratives included a love triangle involving nurse Jenny Delaney and PC Polly Page, which explored themes of workplace romance and emotional vulnerability, as well as a brutal stabbing attack on Quinnan that underscored the physical dangers of the job and introduced new interpersonal dynamics. These arcs often intertwined with broader station investigations, portraying Quinnan as a dependable yet flawed everyman navigating loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. Behind the scenes, Paul collaborated closely with co-stars like Simon Rouse, who portrayed Superintendent Jack Meadows, in episodes that delved into hierarchical tensions and mentorship within Sun Hill.[20] As The Bill transitioned from standalone episodes toward more serialized storytelling in the late 1990s and early 2000s—particularly under producer Paul Marquess—Paul noted the intensifying filming schedule, which often required 12-hour days and limited family time, such as attending only one of his children's sports days over 12 years.[21] He also shared anecdotes of on-set risks, including a near-miss fire stunt with Graham Cole (PC Tony Stamp) and intimate undercover scenes with Lisa Geoghan (PC Polly Page) that added layers to their characters' relationship.[21] Paul's portrayal of the relatable, no-nonsense London copper earned Quinnan widespread public recognition, turning the character into a household name and fostering a strong fan connection through his authentic depiction of everyday policing challenges.[22] However, this success led to typecasting effects, with Paul frequently approached by fans and even strangers mistaking him for a real officer during off-duty moments, such as a dramatic public encounter where a car screeched to a halt expecting police intervention.[21] The role's longevity solidified his image as the quintessential community-focused bobby, influencing perceptions of British police dramas. Paul departed The Bill in 2002 after a six-part serialized storyline titled "Quinnan," which concluded with his character's transfer to undercover duties, leaving the door open for potential returns. He cited personal reasons for leaving voluntarily, including a desire to explore new acting challenges after feeling Quinnan's arcs had reached their peak, while acknowledging the emotional difficulty of abandoning job security following a year of deliberation with his wife.[21] This exit aligned with the show's broader shift under new production leadership but was driven by Paul's wish to leave on a high note amid the demanding routine.[1]Post-The Bill television work (2000s–present)
Following his long-running role in The Bill, which provided a platform for subsequent opportunities in high-profile British television, Andrew Paul transitioned into a series of guest and recurring appearances across soaps and dramas, establishing himself as a versatile character actor.[1] Paul took on a recurring role as Billy Boothe in the family drama Where the Heart Is from 2003 to 2006, appearing in 36 episodes.[2] In 2003, Paul portrayed Maxwell Moon in the BBC soap EastEnders, appearing in a brief arc from 5 December to 25 December. Maxwell, the second cousin of established character Alfie Moon, arrives in Walford for a day of drinking and reminiscing about their shared past, but his troublemaking nature quickly emerges, marked by a quick temper and confrontational demeanor that leads to conflicts within the Moon family.[23][24] The role introduced familial ties to the Moon storyline but was short-lived, receiving limited critical attention amid the soap's broader ensemble dynamics.[25] Paul's soap work continued with a more extended stint in ITV's Coronation Street in 2015, where he played Dan Jones across 21 episodes from June to July. As a smooth-talking brewery representative, Dan initially charms landlady Liz McDonald into a romance following her split from Tony Stewart, but his arc darkens when Leanne Battersby reveals him as a former client from her days as an escort, prompting Dan to blackmail her for silence. The storyline escalates as Dan kidnaps Leanne and her stepson Simon in a desperate bid for control, culminating in his arrest after a confrontation at the Rovers Return.[26][27][28] This villainous turn showcased Paul's ability to shift from affable to menacing, contributing to the soap's dramatic tension around themes of past secrets and coercion.[29] He appeared in the BBC adaptation of Les Misérables (2018) and as the merchant Colin Coppercloth in the Netflix series The Witcher episode "A Grain of Truth" (2021).[2] Shifting to medical drama, Paul guest-starred in the BBC's Doctors in the episode "Nightmare," aired on 3 November 2022, as Terry Bedford. In the plot, Terry seeks help from GP Jimmi Clay for recurring violent nightmares in which he attempts to kill his own son, revealing underlying paranoia and conspiracy theories about his family's safety. As Jimmi delves deeper, Terry's distrust escalates, but the story twists when colleague Al Haskey debunks his delusions through scientific evidence, exposing the nightmares as manifestations of guilt rather than external threats—not everything proves as sinister as Terry believes.[30][31] The episode highlighted Paul's portrayal of psychological vulnerability, fitting the series' focus on everyday mental health struggles.[32] In 2025, Paul appeared in ITV's acclaimed crime drama Unforgotten (series 6) as David Prentice, a key guest role in the ensemble investigating a cold case tied to historical unrest. Prentice, an old acquaintance of suspect Gerard, provides crucial testimony about their shared past at a rally, adding layers to the narrative's exploration of long-buried secrets and moral reckonings.[2][33][34] This appearance underscores the significance of Paul's involvement in a major procedural series known for its thoughtful examinations of justice and memory, marking a continued presence in prestige television.[35] Paul's post-The Bill television portfolio also includes notable guest spots in the Inspector Morse franchise, demonstrating his range across crime genres. He debuted in the 1989 episode "Deceived by Flight" as a suspect interviewee amid an investigation into a cricketer's death at an Oxford reunion.[36] In 2013's Lewis episode "Intelligent Design," he played Ron Tibbitt, a figure entangled in a hit-and-run plot involving a released offender's return to Oxford.[37] This continued in 2018's Endeavour episode "Quartet," where Paul portrayed Joe Dozier in a storyline probing an assassination attempt at a sporting event.[38] Additionally, he guested in Casualty on 29 October 2016 as Sid McCray, navigating emergency department chaos in a single episode focused on personal crises.[2] These roles, spanning police procedurals, academic mysteries, and hospital settings, illustrate Paul's evolution into a reliable character actor, leveraging his soap-honed presence for diverse, episodic contributions in British television from the 2000s onward.[37][1]Personal life
Marriage and family
Andrew Paul married Laura Shad in 1985, and their union has endured for over 40 years as of 2025.[5] The couple resides in London, where they have raised their three sons.[1] Paul has consistently maintained a low profile regarding his family, ensuring his children remain out of the public eye.[39] Their family life has been marked by the absence of public scandals or media intrusions into their relationships.[39]Privacy and public image
Despite achieving fame through his 13-year role as PC Dave Quinnan on The Bill, Andrew Paul has consistently prioritized a low-profile lifestyle, focusing on family life in London and selective theatre engagements over high-visibility media pursuits. He has largely avoided tabloid exposure, emphasizing stage work where he feels most at ease, as noted by his wife Laura in a 2014 profile.[1] Post-2002, Paul has participated in rare interviews, including a 2019 episode of The Bill Podcast where he reflected on his character's complexity.[40] A 2021 Sun feature further highlighted his career reflections, underscoring his preference for understated roles amid ongoing television appearances, including his reflection on exiting the series: "I knew the right moment to leave... I wanted to finish while my profile was on the up."[17] Paul's public image as a relatable everyman stems from his East End roots in Mile End, London, where he grew up in a working-class family, informing his authentic portrayal of the grounded, community-oriented Quinnan and subsequent character choices in dramas like Unforgotten (2025), where he played David Prentice. This background has helped him navigate typecasting concerns by leaning into diverse, character-driven theatre productions, such as The Infidel – The Musical (2014), to broaden his on-screen persona beyond the uniform.[1][33][1] His long-standing marriage since 1985 has served as a key anchor in sustaining this private approach to fame.[1]Filmography
Television appearances
- The Sweeney (1978) – Teenager (1 episode: "Jack or Knave")[41]
- Out (1978) – Paul Ross (2 episodes)[42]
- Shadows (1978) – Colin Vaughan (1 episode: "The Dark Streets of Kimball's Green")[43]
- Time of My Life (1980) – Wayne Archer (6 episodes)[42]
- The Day of the Triffids (1981) – Gang Member (1 episode)[44]
- Going Out (1981) – Roger Unsworth (6 episodes)[42]
- Tripper's Day (1984) – Higgins[45]
- The Bill (1987) – Eric Wilmot (1 episode: "Missing, Presumed Dead")
- Slinger's Day (1986) – Higgins (6 episodes)
- The Bill (1989–2002) – PC Dave Quinnan (713 episodes)[2]
- EastEnders (2003) – Maxwell Moon (3 episodes)
- Where the Heart Is (2003–2006) – Billy Boothe (36 episodes)[2]
- Coronation Street (2015) – Dan Jones (21 episodes)[2]
- Casualty (2016–2019) – Kevin Elliott / Sid McCray (multiple guest appearances)[2]
- Les Misérables (2018) – Innkeeper (miniseries, 1 episode)
- Endeavour (2018) – Joe Dozier (1 episode: "Quartet")[38]
- Inspector Lewis (2013) – Ron Tibitt (1 episode: "Intelligent Design")[46]
- Doctors (2022) – Terry Bedford (1 episode: "Nightmare")
- The Witcher (2021) – Colin Coppercloth (1 episode: "A Grain of Truth")
- Unforgotten (2025) – David Prentice (season 6)
Film roles
Andrew Paul's film career, though limited compared to his extensive television work, includes several notable appearances in feature films during the 1970s and 1980s.[2]- Bugsy Malone (1976) as O'Dreary[47]
- Scum (1979) as Betts
- The Pirates of Penzance (1983) as Pirate
- Bellman and True (1987) as Young Security Guard