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Jules Knight
Jules Knight
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Julian "Jules" Knight (né Kaye; born 22 September 1981)[1] is an English actor and singer. He is best known for being a member of the British vocal group Blake and his portrayal of Harry Tressler in the medical drama Holby City. He left Blake in January 2013 and first appeared in Holby City as doctor Harry Tressler on 14 May 2013. Knight left Holby City on 14 April 2015.

Key Information

Early life

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Knight was born in Hastings, lived in Robertsbridge and attended Vinehall School.[2] At the age of seven, Knight became a choirboy at Winchester Cathedral.[3] This meant he had to switch to The Pilgrims' School which was closer to the cathedral.[2] When he was thirteen, he sang solo at the Sydney Opera House.[4] In sixth form, Knight won a scholarship to Eastbourne College.[3] At the time, he was living between Battle, Sedlescombe, Hooe, Hawkhurst and Benenden, all in Kent and East Sussex.[2] He sang at Wells Cathedral during his gap year. He then attended the University of St Andrews and studied history of art, where he performed in several plays and musicals and was a member of The Other Guys.[3][5][6] He also attended the Central School of Speech and Drama,[7] where he received an MA in acting.[8]

Career

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Blake

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In June 2007, Knight and three others formed the band Blake on Facebook. Just two days after the band first got together, they got a record deal.[9] Knight left his role in Blake in January 2013 to join Holby City.[10][11]

Acting

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In January 2013, Knight was told that he had won the part of Harry Tressler in Holby City after doing four auditions over two and a half months.[12] To prepare for the role, he shadowed a senior consultant for a day,[12] and observed a laparotomy.[13] In February 2015, Knight quit Holby City to relaunch his music career. Harry would leave in May 2015 during a storyline which would make Harry "unrecognisable".[14]

Knight appears as Guy Freemont in the crime drama Agatha Raisin.[15]

In June 2016, Knight was cast in the recurring role of Spencer Koenigsberg, Queen Helena's new Lord Chamberlain, on The Royals.[16]

Solo career

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In February 2015, it was announced that Knight had decided to relaunch his music career, with a solo album after previously having been in a band.[14] Discussing his new career path, he stated: "In many ways making a solo album is a totally natural progression for me and has been a long time coming." He also expressed his excitement over his new choice in career. Speaking about the album, he said: "The connection between them is that they're all poignant, emotive songs that have affected me in some way in my life, and will hopefully strike a chord with people of all ages. The songs span a wide range of musical genres, so the album is for anyone who has an all-embracing passion for music." He also said that the album would be a "collection of new and old songs" which have all been given some "treatment" by Knight.[14] The album was given the title Change of Heart and scheduled for release on 27 April 2015.

Personal life

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Knight has four siblings from his father John Kaye's second marriage.[3] Knight previously dated Ciara Janson.[3] Knight took in a dog from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.[17]

Solo discography

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  • Change of Heart (2015)

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
2008 Katherine Jenkins: Intimate & Romantic Himself Television film
2010 William & Kate: A Royal Engagement Himself Television film
2012 William at 30 Himself Television film
2013–2015 Holby City Harry Tressler Series regular
2016 Agatha Raisin Guy Freemont TV series/Guest
2016–2017 The Royals Spencer Hoenigsberg TV series/Recurring

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jules Knight (born Julian Kaye; 22 September 1981) is an English actor and singer best known as a founding member of the classical group Blake and for portraying the arrogant yet skilled surgeon Dr. Harry Tressler in the Holby City from 2013 to 2015. Knight's career spans classical , television acting, and solo recordings, marked by his early training as a chorister and formal education in the arts. Born in Hastings, East Sussex, to a self-made banker father and an Essex-born mother, Knight grew up as the youngest of four siblings in a family that navigated social aspirations and eventual separation. His performing arts journey began at age seven as a chorister at Winchester Cathedral Choir, fostering his vocal talents. Knight attended the University of St Andrews, where he studied art history and graduated with first-class honours, sharing university life with contemporaries Prince William and Kate Middleton. He later pursued acting at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, earning an MA in Acting for Screen in 2007. Knight co-founded Blake in 2006 alongside fellow alumni, blending classical techniques with pop covers to form a "classical boyband" that achieved international success. The group released multiple albums, including their debut Blake (2007), and won the Classical BRIT Award for Album of the Year in 2008 for their self-titled record. Blake performed globally, raising funds for charities like initiatives, and earned a nomination for Album of the Year at the Classical BRIT Awards in 2010. Knight departed the ensemble in 2013 to focus on acting. Transitioning to television, Knight debuted as Dr. Harry Tressler in Holby City's fifteenth series, appearing in 78 episodes until 2015 and becoming a fan favorite for his character's romantic and professional entanglements. He subsequently starred as Spencer Hoenigsberg, the cunning , in the E! series The Royals opposite in 2016. Knight has also appeared in stage productions and modeling, leveraging his 6-foot height and classical features. In his solo music career, Knight released the album Change of Heart in 2015 and has continued with singles, including the 2025 release "To Where You Are," dedicated to his late mother, Jane Kaye. He performs live shows featuring timeless songs across genres and maintains an active presence in voice work and charity events.

Early life

Family and childhood

Julian Kaye, professionally known as Jules Knight, was born on 22 September 1981 in Hastings, East Sussex, England. He is the youngest of four siblings—two sisters and a brother—from his father John Kaye's second marriage to his mother, Jane Kaye, an Essex-born secretary. John Kaye was a self-made man who built a fortune in banking, affording the family a privileged lifestyle initially complete with tennis courts, swimming pools, and multiple cars. Knight's early childhood was spent in the countryside, primarily in near Battle, where he cherished memories of long, hot summers in the idyllic rural setting. The family relocated frequently within —to areas including Sedlescombe, Hooe, , and —amid financial instability after John Kaye lost his fortune during the , resulting in , a nervous breakdown, and from Jane. Despite these challenges, Knight later reflected on the period as one of amazing family times, though it was marked by tumult and hardship. At the age of seven, Knight was sent to the Pilgrims' School in as a chorister for , following a recommendation from his ; he described this boarding experience as a "military existence" without Christmas breaks, funded by his father's annual borrowings of £100,000 from friends. Prior to that, he attended Vinehall School in , and he subsequently earned a music scholarship to , where his brother had also been a choral scholar, allowing a reduction in fees. These early musical and performative opportunities in a structured environment laid the foundation for his later career pursuits.

Education and early performances

Knight's early education began in East Sussex, where he attended Vinehall School in Robertsbridge until the age of seven. At that point, recognizing his vocal talent, the school recommended him for training as a cathedral chorister, leading to a move to The Pilgrims' School in Winchester to join the Winchester Cathedral Choir. He served as a chorister from age seven to thirteen, during which he toured internationally, performing at venues including the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Festival Hall in London, and St Thomas's Cathedral in New York; he also appeared as a soloist on seven critically acclaimed choral albums. Following this, Knight attended Eastbourne College on a choral scholarship, where he continued to develop his musical skills while discovering a passion for acting through lead roles in school productions. At eighteen, Knight took a , during which he held a choral scholarship at and performed as a singer. He then enrolled at the , graduating in 2005 with an MA in . While there, he expanded his performance experience by appearing in several university plays and musicals, and he was a member of the group The Other Guys. Deciding to pursue professionally, Knight applied to and was accepted into the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where he specialized in Acting for Screen and earned an MA in 2007. His training at Central honed his skills in on-camera performance, bridging his early choral background with emerging interests in and .

Career

Music with Blake

Knight co-founded the classical crossover vocal quartet Blake in 2007 alongside childhood friend Ollie Baines (tenor), with whom he had sung as choristers, reconnecting via after Knight's graduation from the Central School of Speech and . They recruited baritone Humphrey Berney and bass Stephen Bowman through , and the group signed a £1 million recording deal with Universal Classics and Jazz just two days after their first rehearsal at the School of Music and . Knight provided vocals, drawing on his early training as a chorister at Choir and his eclectic influences ranging from classical composers like Fauré to pop acts such as and . Blake's music featured lush vocal harmonies on arrangements of popular songs and standards, blending classical techniques with contemporary material to appeal to a broad . Their self-titled debut , Blake, released in November 2007, peaked at number 18 on the and sold over copies in three weeks, earning a gold certification from the . It won the Classical Brit Award for Album of the Year in , marking a significant early accolade for the group. The follow-up, And So It Goes (), reached number 14 on the , while Together (2009) peaked at number 38. These releases established Blake's chart presence in the classical crossover genre, with performances including a 2011 rendition of "All of Me" for NBC's coverage of the Royal Wedding. The group's fourth and final album featuring Knight, Start Over, was released in February 2013 and represented a return to their roots with renewed vocal arrangements. Knight departed Blake later that year to focus on his acting career, particularly his role in the BBC medical drama Holby City, though the band continued as a trio.

Acting breakthrough

Knight's acting breakthrough came in 2013 when he left the vocal group Blake to pursue a career in television, securing the role of Dr. Harry Tressler in the medical drama . After attending drama school following university, Knight had primarily focused on music but grew eager to return to acting, viewing —a series he had long admired—as an ideal opportunity. He underwent four auditions over two and a half months before being cast as the arrogant yet skilled cardiothoracic surgical registrar, a character known for his manipulative charm and romantic entanglements that disrupted the show's established dynamics. Knight's first appearance as Tressler aired on 14 May 2013, marking his professional debut in a major series and quickly establishing him as a fan favorite. The role required him to portray a "" who flirted aggressively, including tense interactions with colleagues like Dr. Gemma Wilde, and his storylines often drew over five million viewers weekly, highlighting the character's impact on the long-running program. Knight described the transition as transformative, noting the stability of regular filming contrasted with the unpredictability of his music career, and he credited the part with fulfilling his acting ambitions after years of preparation. During his two-year stint, which spanned 78 episodes until April 2015, Knight's performance as Tressler earned praise for bringing fresh energy to , including gripping arcs involving personal scandals and professional rivalries. This role not only solidified his reputation as an actor but also opened doors to subsequent television work, confirming as the pivotal breakthrough in his shift from to performer.

Solo music and other ventures

After departing from his role as Dr. Harry Tressler in the drama in early 2015, Knight continued pursuing both acting and music. He released his debut solo album, Change of Heart, on April 20, 2015, through independent label Music Infinity. Comprising 12 tracks of upbeat pop infused with orchestral elements, the album featured covers and originals, including reinterpretations of standards like and "Tell Me It's Not True." Produced by a team including collaborators from his time with Blake, it was recorded at Peter Gabriel's in , emphasizing Knight's vocal range and emotional delivery. Knight opted for independent release after rejecting major label deals to retain full creative control, a decision he credited for allowing authentic expression. The album debuted at number 45 on the , marking his first solo chart entry. In acting, Knight took on the recurring role of the manipulative PR executive Cyrus (Spencer Hoenigsberg) in the E! series The Royals opposite Elizabeth Hurley during its third season in 2016–2017. He has since appeared in guest roles in series such as Agatha Raisin (2016), Mystery Island (2023), Tokyo Trial (2017), and Christmas in the Spotlight (2021), along with stage productions and voice work for commercials and audiobooks. In July 2025, Knight signed with the modeling agency Fresh Agents for classic men's modeling. Knight's solo output remained selective in the years following, with no additional full-length albums until a poignant single in 2025. On March 24, 2025, he released "To Where You Are," a heartfelt ballad dedicated to his mother, Jane Kaye, who passed away from sarcoma in July 2023. The four-minute track, available on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, blends acoustic guitar with soaring vocals to evoke themes of loss and remembrance. Proceeds from the single support Sarcoma UK, raising awareness and funds for research into the rare cancer that claimed his mother's life; Knight promoted a JustGiving campaign tied to the release, encouraging donations alongside streams. Beyond recordings, Knight has explored live solo performances and charitable musical endeavors as extensions of his career. He has hosted intimate "An Evening with Jules Knight" shows at venues such as Pizza Express Jazz Club in , where he performs a mix of solo material, Blake-era favorites, and audience interactions, often incorporating storytelling from his acting and personal life. These outings, scheduled periodically since , highlight his versatility as a live entertainer. Additionally, the sarcoma awareness initiative tied to "To Where You Are" represents a philanthropic venture, aligning music with advocacy for and patient support.

Personal life

Relationships and marriage

Knight began dating British model Jo Renwick in the early , with the pair appearing together at public events such as the Festival in June 2014 and the British Day in in March 2014. Their relationship ended sometime before early 2015. In 2010, Knight had a brief romantic involvement with actress , known for her role in . The relationship concluded shortly thereafter, as confirmed by Knight in interviews around that time. By 2015, Knight described himself as single and expressed a strong desire for a long-term , stating he hoped to "get married and have kids," though it "just hasn’t happened." In August 2025, Knight announced his to Rebecca Ross.

Family losses and philanthropy

Jules Knight experienced significant personal losses in his family, beginning with the death of his father, John Kaye, in October 2011 from a heart attack at the age of 74. John, a former banker, had been a pivotal figure in Knight's life, and his passing profoundly affected the family, as Knight later reflected on the emotional impact during interviews. More recently, Knight lost his mother, Jane Kaye, on July 29, 2023, after a rapid battle with , a rare form of cancer. Jane, aged 76, had been active and healthy until early 2023, when she reported ; diagnosis delays meant the tumor was inoperable by the time it was confirmed, leading to her death just 10 weeks later. Knight has spoken openly about the frustration with healthcare system shortcomings during her illness, highlighting how initial symptoms were overlooked despite her involvement and vitality. These losses have deeply influenced Knight's philanthropic efforts, particularly in cancer awareness and support. In memory of his mother, he released the single "To Where You Are" on March 24, 2025, dedicating proceeds and streams to , the only charity focused exclusively on all types of sarcoma. The song, which reached number one on Vocal Songs charts shortly after release, serves as both a personal tribute and a call for donations, with Knight urging supporters to contribute even small amounts via his page to fund research and patient support. Through this initiative, he aims to raise awareness of the disease's diagnostic challenges, drawing from Jane's experience. Knight's charitable involvement extends beyond cancer causes. In 2014, he partnered with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation to support tiger conservation efforts, lending his voice to campaigns aimed at protecting endangered species in the wild. He has also participated in fundraising events for Variety, a children's charity, including a 13-mile walk in London where participants dressed as doctors and nurses to raise funds for supporting seriously ill or disadvantaged youth. These activities reflect Knight's commitment to community and environmental causes, often tied to personal motivations.

Discography

Albums

Jules Knight contributed vocals to four studio albums with the British classical crossover vocal group Blake from 2007 to 2013, blending harmonies with covers of pop, classical, and musical theater standards. The group's self-titled debut album, Blake (2007), featured tracks like and achieving commercial success and earning the Classical Brit Award for Album of the Year in 2008. This release marked Blake's breakthrough, showcasing Knight's baritone alongside the group's tight vocal arrangements. Subsequent releases expanded Blake's repertoire, incorporating orchestral elements and original material. (2008) included Billy Joel's title track and peaked at number 14 on the , highlighting the group's evolving crossover appeal. Together (2009) featured collaborations and reached number 38 in the UK, emphasizing themes of unity through songs like "The Prayer." Start Over (2013), their fourth album and Knight's final with the group, included original compositions, was recorded at and shifted toward contemporary pop harmonies. In addition to his group work, Knight released his sole solo album, Change of Heart (2015), a 12-track collection of pop and Broadway covers including "And So It Goes" and "My Funny Valentine," produced by Andrew Powell at Real World Studios. This project allowed Knight to explore a more intimate vocal style, drawing on his theater background while transitioning from group harmonies to individual expression. The album peaked at number 45 on the .
Album TitleYearArtistNotes
Blake2007BlakeDebut; Classical Brit Award winner; features covers like ""
2008BlakePeaked at #14 ; includes cover
Together2009BlakePeaked at #38 ; collaboration-heavy
Start Over2013BlakeOriginal material focus; recorded at ; Knight's final album with group
Change of Heart2015Jules KnightSolo debut; produced by ; peaked at #45

Singles and contributions

Jules Knight released his debut solo single, "To Where You Are", on March 24, 2025, as a heartfelt to his late , Jane Kaye, who died from in 2023. The track, which debuted ahead of , reflects on their close bond and seeks to raise awareness for research and support. No other solo singles by Knight have charted on the UK Official Charts, though individual tracks from his album have garnered streaming attention. Beyond performing, Knight made a notable songwriting contribution on his 2015 debut album Change of Heart, co-writing the original track "Refuge (From the Storm)" alongside producers Adrian Munsey, Jeff Chegwin, and . This mid-tempo , unique among the album's predominantly cover-based repertoire, highlights Knight's involvement in crafting new material during his transition to a solo career. The song's inclusion underscores his collaborative role in the album's production, which blended pop, musical theater, and classical influences under the guidance of producer . Knight's broader musical contributions include interpretive covers that span genres, such as Billy Joel's "And So It Goes", Randy Newman's "Feels Like Home", Bread's "If", and "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" from the musical Les Misérables. These selections, featured on Change of Heart, demonstrate his vocal versatility and affinity for emotionally resonant material, drawing from his background in classical crossover with the group Blake. While not released as standalone singles, tracks like "Feels Like Home" and "If" have achieved modest streaming success, with "If" exceeding 367,000 plays on Spotify as of late 2025.

Credits

Television and film

His breakthrough role came in 2013 when he joined the long-running medical drama as the arrogant yet skilled cardiothoracic surgeon Harry Tressler, appearing in 78 episodes until 2015. The character, introduced as a love interest for nurse Mary-Claire Jones, featured dramatic storylines including a departure involving advanced prosthetics to simulate limb loss, which drew significant viewer attention and contributed to the show's weekly audience exceeding 5 million. Knight's performance as Tressler marked his transition from music to full-time acting, earning praise for bringing depth to the role's complex relationships and professional challenges. Knight made a as Britt in a 2017 episode of the documentary series Obsession: Dark Desires. Following Holby City, Knight took on the recurring role of Spencer Hoenigsberg, Queen Helena's ambitious advisor, in the E! drama series The Royals from 2016 to 2017. He also appeared as Guy Freemont, a romantic interest for the titular detective, in the first season of Sky1's in 2016. That same year, he portrayed Quentin Quentin-Baxter, a judge, in the miniseries Tokyo Trial, which dramatized the post-World War II International Military Tribunal for the Far East. In 2024, Knight guest-starred as Chief Constable Arjen Dekker in FBI: International, an episode of the procedural series focusing on global efforts. He also reenacted the role of , former CEO of of America, in the docudrama , highlighting the video game industry's recovery in the . Knight expanded into film with the lead role of Ethan, a charming colleague, in the 2022 Hallmark holiday movie Jolly Good Christmas, where his character aids an American architect navigating London life. More recently, in 2025, he starred as Dex Longstreth in the Hallmark mystery TV movie Mystery Island: House Rules, a crossover featuring a competitive game turned deadly. That year, he also appeared as Mark in the thriller End of Play.

Stage and voice work

Knight began his performing career in theatre during his school years, taking on lead roles in several productions at , including , , and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. These experiences honed his skills in musicals and dramatic plays, reflecting his early interest in both singing and . At the , he continued performing, appearing in university theatre productions such as City of Angels, , and . While pursuing higher education, including a in Art History, Knight balanced academic studies with work, which laid the foundation for his later professional career in and music. In voice work, Knight has established himself as a narrator with a naturally soft accent, described as warm, engaging, and friendly, with the ability to convey authority when needed. He is represented by Harvey Voices agency for projects, specializing in , audiobooks, commercials, documentaries, and musical theatre-related audio. His portfolio includes audiobook demos featuring excerpts from classic , such as Leo Tolstoy's and George Fraser's Flashman. These contributions highlight his versatility in bringing literary works to life through audio, suitable for genres like , thriller, , and .

References

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