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Dean Andrews
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Dean Andrews
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Dean Andrews (born 6 August 1963) is an English actor. He is known for his role as DS Ray Carling in the BBC drama series Life on Mars. He continued the role in the sequel series, Ashes to Ashes, until 2010. As of April 2019, he appeared as Will Taylor on ITV soap opera Emmerdale.[3] Andrews left the show on 26 December 2024 when his character Will died of a heart attack.

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Born in 1963 in Rotherham, Andrews went to Sitwell Junior School on Grange Road and Oakwood Comprehensive School on Moorgate Road. He went to school with Top Gear presenter James May.[4][5]

Career

[edit]

Dean Andrews started off as a mainstay of cruise ships as a talented entertainer and singer. He was discovered by film director Ken Loach, who was looking for people from Yorkshire to appear in the 2001 film, The Navigators.[6] He then went on to play Barry Shiel in the Channel 4 drama Buried, which won the BAFTA Award for Best Drama Series in 2004. That year, he also had a small role, as Neil, in the Channel 4 series No Angels.

In 2005, Andrews appeared in one episode of the ITV drama Wire in the Blood. The following year, he appeared in another BBC drama, Life On Mars, as DS Ray Carling. He then had roles in two BBC dramas, True Dare Kiss and The Street, in 2007. Andrews again played DC Carling in Ashes to Ashes, a 2008 spin-off series of Life on Mars. During the same year, he recorded voiceovers for Currys television advertisements.[7] He had a guest role in 2010 on the BBC One series Waterloo Road.

In 2011, Andrews appeared in: the BBC drama The Body Farm as Peter Collins; the BBC Two television film United, about the Manchester United "Busby Babes" team and the 1958 Munich air disaster; ITV's supernatural drama series Marchlands, playing one of the lead roles; and the five-part BBC One series The Case, in which he played the lead role as a man accused of murdering his terminally ill girlfriend.

In November 2012, Andrews appeared in all four series of the BBC drama Last Tango in Halifax as Robert "Robbie" Greenwood. The following year, he portrayed Pete Lewis in the BBC show Being Eileen.[8][9][10] Andrews played local hotel and barman Tom Asher in a 2015 episode of the popular series Midsomer Murders on ITV. In 2019, the actor joined the cast of ITV soap opera Emmerdale.[3] He left the soap on 26 December 2024 when his character Will died of a heart attack. He has stated that he was not told about the character's demise. He narrated the Channel 5 documentary series, Our Great Yorkshire Life, in 2022.[11] He also narrates the UK TV show Casualty 24/7 which centres on Barnsley Hospital.

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Other notes
2001 The Navigators John BAFTA-winning for screenwriter
2002 EastEnders Dean Episode dated 3 April 2002
2003 Buried Barry Sheil 3 episodes
Clocking Off DS Hughes Episode: "Colin's Story"
Between the Sheets Steve Ashby 6 episodes
2004 No Angels Neil 3 episodes
Casualty Reg Summerston Episode: "Don't Go There"
Blue Murder Will Harmon Episode: "Lonely"
My Summer of Love Ricky BAFTA-winning film
2005 Love + Hate Derek
Wire in the Blood Steve Maynard Episode: "Bad Seed"
Faith Davey Television film
2006 Shameless Geoff Mulligan Episode #3.1
Missing Mark Lanser 2 episodes
New Street Law Dennis Longwell Episode: "Shock to the System"
2006–2007 Life on Mars DS Ray Carling Series 1–2; 16 episodes
2007 True Dare Kiss Vinny 2 episodes
The Street Cleggy Episode: "The Letter"
2008–2010 Ashes to Ashes DS Ray Carling Series 1–3; 24 episodes
2009 Wish 143 Bus Driver Short film
2010 Waterloo Road Gary Vale Episode #5.11
Doctors Jonty Stephens Episode: "A Spoonful"
2011 Marchlands Eddie Maynard 5 episodes
The Body Farm Peter Collins Episode: "No Peace for the Wicked"
The Case Tony Powell 5 episodes
Just Henry Bill Television film
2012–2016 Last Tango in Halifax Robbie Series 1–4; 20 episodes
2013 Being Eileen Pete Lewis 6 episodes
The Security Men Ray Episode: "Pilot"
Frankie Joseph Corden 3 episodes
Vera Jonah Regan Episode: "Poster Child"
2015 Midsomer Murders Tom Asher S17E3: "The Ballad of Midsomer County"
Banana Alan Episode #1.4
New Tricks Barry Warnock Episode: "The Russian Cousin"
2016 Silent Witness Tony Hamilton Episode: "After the Fall"
Jericho Jack Laggan Episode #1.1
Father Brown Michael Negal Episode: "The Star of Jacob"
2017 The Moorside PC Steve Kinchin 2 episodes
2018 Agatha and the Truth of Murder Wade Television film
Delicious Steven Green TV series, episode: "The Heart"
2019 London Kills Jacob Holt TV series, Episode: “Stag Night”
2019–2024 Emmerdale Will Taylor Series regular

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2011 TV Choice Awards Best Actor Marchlands Nominated [12]
2019 Inside Soap Awards Best Bad Boy Emmerdale Nominated [13]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dean Andrews

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dean Andrews (born 6 August 1963) is an English actor. He is known for his role as DS Ray Carling in the BBC television series (2006–2007) and its spin-off Ashes to Ashes (2008–2010). Andrews began his career as a singer for 20 years before transitioning to acting with a role in Ken Loach's film The Navigators (2001). He has since appeared in series such as (2012) and the ITV as Will Taylor since 2019.

Early life

Childhood in Rotherham

Dean Andrews was born on 6 August 1963 in , , . He grew up in a working-class family as the son of publicans who managed several local pubs, including the Masons Arms on Wellgate and the Green Dragon in Kimberworth. His parents had previously worked as club singers before entering pub management, which immersed the family in the entertainment scene of . Andrews' childhood was shaped by the rhythms of pub life in , a steel town known for its industrial heritage and tight-knit communities during the and . His father served as a , providing a stable but demanding environment where the family lived above or within the premises, exposing young Dean to the social dynamics of working-class patrons from an early age. This upbringing fostered a practical, resilient outlook, with Andrews later recalling the constant presence of locals, including detectives and tradespeople, who frequented the establishments. From a young age, Andrews gained early exposure to entertainment through his family's pubs, where live music and performances were commonplace. He began in the pub alongside a resident , encouraged by positive feedback despite his initial lack of polish, which sparked his interest in performing. This informal setting, complete with his mother's vocal talents and the lively atmosphere, served as his first stage, blending family duties with creative outlets in the heart of Rotherham's pub culture.

Musical beginnings

Dean Andrews began his musical journey in his teenage years, performing as a singer in local venues in , including his parents' s where he lived above establishments such as the Masons Arms on Wellgate and the Green Dragon in Kimberworth. His parents, both former professional club singers who later transitioned into pub management, fostered a musical environment that encouraged his early interest; Andrews started singing publicly around age 13 or 14, often at the encouragement of patrons despite initially feeling his performances were "rubbish." He also participated in a local and joined an operatic , where he took on his first performance role at age 16, building foundational experience in community settings. In the 1980s, Andrews pursued early professional gigs as a club singer across , supplementing his income from a day job at a where he earned £40 per week for 39 hours of work. These performances, which paid around £42 per night, took place in clubs and on cruise ships after he left home at 18, allowing him to hone his vocal and stage presence over two decades in the entertainment circuit. This period provided essential performance experience, as Andrews followed in his parents' footsteps while navigating the working-class scene of the region, performing covers and building a suited to and club audiences. By the late , after approximately 20 years in music, Andrews decided to transition toward , prompted by a desire for new challenges in . This shift culminated in his casting for Ken Loach's 2001 film The Navigators at age 38, marking the end of his primary focus on singing and the beginning of his professional career.

Career

Early acting roles

Dean Andrews began his acting career in his late thirties, transitioning from a two-decade-long profession as a club and cruise ship singer in and beyond. This shift proved challenging, as Andrews initially viewed himself primarily as a and continued performing gigs even after securing roles; it took him approximately ten years to confidently identify as an . His screen debut came in 2001 with the British independent film The Navigators, directed by , where he portrayed the character Mick, a rail worker navigating post-privatization redundancies in . The following year, Andrews made his television debut in the soap opera , playing a character named Dean in a brief guest appearance that he reprised in 2005. He continued with minor roles in early dramas, including DS Hughes in the 2003 episode "Colin's Story" of the series , which explored working-class lives in . In 2004, Andrews appeared in the critically acclaimed coming-of-age film , directed by , taking on the supporting role of Phil, the brother of the protagonist Mona. These early credits, often in gritty British productions, helped establish his presence in the industry, though they remained small parts that built on his natural performing experience from music without formal acting training.

Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes

Dean Andrews was cast as Detective Sergeant Ray Carling in the police drama , which aired from 2006 to 2007. In the series, Andrews portrayed Carling as a tough, moustachioed and loyal right-hand man to DCI , characterized by his brusque manner, sexist attitudes, and unwavering adherence to old-school policing methods. Andrews drew on his roots to infuse the role with authenticity, noting that Carling represented a "bull in a shop" who acted first and thought later. Andrews reprised the role of DS Carling—later promoted to Detective Inspector—in the sequel series Ashes to Ashes, which ran from 2008 to 2010 and shifted the setting to the 1980s London Metropolitan Police. The character's arc evolved significantly, showing greater depth beyond his initial bravado; Carling grappled with personal regrets, formed unexpected bonds with new team members like DI Alex Drake, and exhibited moments of vulnerability, culminating in poignant reflections on his life choices during the series finale. This development highlighted Carling's transition from a one-dimensional enforcer to a more nuanced figure haunted by the era's moral ambiguities. Andrews' performance as Carling received widespread critical and audience acclaim, praised for capturing the character's abrasive humor and underlying humanity, which became a fan favorite and defining element of both series. His portrayal contributed to the shows' cult status, with earning a perfect 100% score and enduring popularity for its blend of time-travel intrigue and gritty procedural . The role marked a breakthrough for Andrews, elevating him from supporting parts in earlier television to a prominent figure in British , boosting his recognition and opening doors to lead opportunities in subsequent projects.

Subsequent television appearances

Following his prominent role as DS Ray Carling in Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, Dean Andrews diversified his television portfolio with a mix of recurring and guest appearances in dramas and soaps. In the series (2012–2020), Andrews portrayed Robbie Greenwood, the on-off partner of lead character Gillian (played by ), across 20 episodes spanning the first four series. His character's arc explored themes of family reconciliation and romantic turmoil within a family drama, contributing to the show's acclaim for its heartfelt depiction of later-life relationships. Andrews appeared as PC Steve 'Kinchie' Kinchin in the 2017 BBC One miniseries The Moorside, a two-part drama based on the real-life disappearance of Shannon Matthews in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. In the role, he depicted a local police officer navigating community tensions and the intense search efforts. He guest-starred as investor Steven Green in the Sky One series Delicious (2016–2019), appearing in the 2018 episode "The Heart," where his character introduced financial intrigue to the culinary drama centered on infidelity and family secrets in Cornwall. In the 2018 ITV biopic Torvill & Dean, Andrews played Colin Dean, the father of ice skater , in this feature-length drama chronicling the duo's rise to fame ahead of the . His performance highlighted the supportive yet challenging family dynamics behind the athletes' success. Andrews guest-starred as Jacob Holt in the episode "" of the crime series (2019), portraying a suspect linked to a investigation, showcasing his ability to portray morally ambiguous figures in procedural dramas. From 2019 to 2025, Andrews had his most extended television stint as Will Taylor in the ITV soap Emmerdale, joining as a tough ex-convict and drug dealer whose arrival sparked conflicts with established characters like . Over nearly six years and hundreds of episodes, Will's storylines centered on intense family dynamics, including his strained relationship with daughter Dawn Taylor (abandoned in childhood by his ex-wife ), a turbulent marriage to marked by blackmail and revenge plots, and clashes over custody and inheritance that escalated to violent confrontations. His character's arc culminated in a dramatic death from a heart attack on Christmas Day 2024, broadcast on 26 December, amid a family crisis involving estranged relatives, with a final flashback appearance in January 2025. Andrews also made notable guest appearances that demonstrated his versatility in crime and ensemble dramas. In the BBC One series Father Brown (2013–), he played Michael Negal in the 2016 Christmas special "The Star of Jacob," portraying a suspicious figure amid a Yuletide mystery involving a . In Channel 4's anthology (2015), he appeared as Alan in an episode exploring LGBTQ+ relationships and personal struggles. Additionally, in ITV's (1997–), Andrews guest-starred as local barman Tom Asher in the 2015 episode "The Ballad of Midsomer County," entangled in a festival-related murder probe.

Film work

Dean Andrews transitioned from television prominence to feature films in the early , embracing roles in independent and dramatic productions that highlighted his ability to portray resilient, working-class figures. His film debut came with smaller parts in ensemble pieces, but he gained notice for supporting roles in British dramas exploring personal and historical struggles. In 2011, Andrews appeared in three films: Weekender, where he played the authoritative Sargent Thompson in a story of youth and rave culture; Just Henry, portraying Bill, a stepfather navigating family tensions in post-war ; and United, a biographical sports drama about Manchester United's "" and the 1958 . In United, Andrews delivered a solid performance as coach , one of the key figures in the club's training team amid the tragedy's aftermath, contributing to the film's emotional depth on resilience and loss. Later works included Dark River (2017), where he portrayed Matty, a neighboring in a tense rural family conflict, emphasizing themes of inheritance and buried trauma. In 2018's Agatha and the Truth of Murder, Andrews played Wade, a entangled in an alternative-history mystery involving solving a real-life case. In 2025, Andrews provided voice narration for the A Kit for the Ages, a promotional production revealing Rotherham United football club's centenary season kit line. These film roles often complemented Andrews' television persona, established through grounded, no-nonsense characters like DS Ray Carling in , by extending his portrayals of authentic, regionally rooted men confronting adversity in intimate, character-driven narratives. His visibility from series like provided a platform for these cinematic opportunities, allowing him to explore dramatic depth in independent British cinema.

Theatre career

Dean Andrews began his involvement in theatre during his youth in Rotherham, performing with the local Phoenix Amateur Operatic Society and appearing in several productions with the Phoenix Players, which provided an early foundation in musical performance. This amateur experience, combined with his professional singing on cruise ships and in clubs, bridged his vocal talents toward dramatic theatre work. Andrews made his professional stage debut in 2013, starring as Tubby, an insurance clerk reuniting with a lost love, in Victoria Wood's play with music at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre. Directed by Sarah Frankcom, the production explored themes of nostalgia and reunion through 1929 and 1969 settings, featuring Andrews in a role that integrated and , opposite as Enid. Critics praised his sensitive portrayal, noting how it allowed him to step away from his tough-guy television persona while highlighting his range and emotional depth. The run, from December 2013 to January 2014, marked a key regional theatre appearance in the , emphasizing Andrews' versatility in blending his singing background with dramatic narrative.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Andrews was previously married, with limited public details available about the relationship; the marriage ended prior to 2012. He is the father of two daughters from this union: Sharny, born circa 1986, and Alice, born circa 1992. In August 2023, Andrews married his long-term partner Helen Bowen-Green on his 60th birthday, after approximately 12 years together. The couple first met at a mutual friend's 40th birthday party around 2011, and Bowen-Green reportedly issued an insisting on before Andrews turned 60, which he honored by scheduling the ceremony for August 6. Andrews became a grandfather in recent years, with three grandchildren: Ida-Rae and Thor, the children of his daughter Alice, and Hendrix, the son of his daughter Sharny.

Interests outside

Dean Andrews maintains an active interest in music, particularly , stemming from his pre- as a professional vocalist in clubs and on cruise ships. He has continued to perform vocally in personal settings, such as joining a school choir at Minster for a special evening event. His vocal talents are highlighted by agencies representing him for such pursuits, describing him as a "cracking singer" available for performances. Beyond live singing, Andrews engages in , represented by Sue Terry Voices for his grounded, authoritative delivery suitable for narration and character work. A notable example is his role as the narrator in the A Kit for the Ages (2025). Andrews participates in public engagements, including personal appearances at fan events and regional gatherings like the Great Yorkshire Show, where he connects with audiences through his approachable persona. He maintains a presence on under the handle @deanoandrews, sharing updates on his life and interests that reinforce his down-to-earth image.

Filmography

Television roles

Dean Andrews has appeared in numerous television series and miniseries throughout his career, with notable recurring and guest roles in British drama and soap operas.
Year(s)TitleRoleEpisodes
2004NeilUnknown
2004BuriedBarry ShielUnknown
2005DS Kevin Taylor1
2006–2007DS Ray Carling16
2007True Dare KissSteveMiniseries, 3 episodes
2007The StreetDC Gary McCabe1
2008–2010Ashes to AshesDS Ray Carling24
2010Waterloo RoadGary Vause4
2011The Body FarmDI Pete Collins6
2011Just HenryBillTV film
2011Mark5
2011UnitedBert WhalleyTV film
2012–2016Robbie20
2013Being EileenPete Lewis6
2015Tom Asher1 ("The Ballad of Midsomer County")
2015BananaPaul1
2016Michael Negal1 ("The Star of Jacob")
2018Agatha and the Truth of MurderWadeTV film
2018DeliciousSteven Green1 ("The Heart")
2018The MoorsideDC Mark GroganMiniseries, 2 episodes
2018Torvill & DeanColin DeanTV film
2019Jacob Holt1 ("Stag Night")
2019–2024Will Taylor515

Film roles

Andrews began his film career in the early 2000s and has appeared in a variety of feature films and movies.
YearTitleRole
2001The NavigatorsJohn
2004Ricky
2005Love + HateDerek
2009SalvageClive
2009Kandahar BreakSteve Delamore
2011WeekenderSergeant Thompson
2017Dark RiverMatty
2025A Kit for the AgesNarrator (voice)

References

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