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Mark Benton
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Mark Benton (born 16 November 1965)[1] is an English actor and television presenter known for his roles as Eddie in Early Doors, Howard in Northern Lights, Martin Pond in Barbara and the eponymous Frank Hathaway in Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators. Benton has also starred in the BBC One school-based drama series Waterloo Road as mathematics teacher Daniel "Chalky" Chalk from 2011 to 2014. In 2013, Benton took part in Strictly Come Dancing; further, in 2015, he hosted the daytime game show The Edge.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Benton was born in Guisborough, North Riding of Yorkshire, England. He attended Sarah Metcalfe Comprehensive School and, later, Stockton Billingham Technical College. Some of Benton's early acting experience came at Middlesbrough Youth Theatre with performances in plays such as Atmos Fear and Twist.[citation needed] He graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1990.[2]

Career

[edit]

Benton has a recurring role as Father McBride in the series Murphy's Law and has worked with Vic and Bob in the series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), Catterick, and Monkey Trousers. In 1999, he played Mickey-O in "The Wedding", the last episode of series 5 of Ballykissangel. He also appeared as an earthly representative of the devil in the 2003 ITV drama The Second Coming and the 2005 ITV drama Planespotting. From 1999 to 2003, Benton played Martin Pond in the sitcom Barbara and Eddie in the sitcom Early Doors in 2003 to 2004. He has also starred in the BBC Three comedy I'm with Stupid and appeared in the Doctor Who episode "Rose" as conspiracy theorist Clive. In late 2008, Benton starred in the ITV drama Britannia High. From 2009 to 2011, he co-starred as Max de Lacey in Scoop. Benton also co-starred in the Roman Mysteries episode "The Slave Girl from Jerusalem".

Film roles include Ricky in Mike Leigh's Career Girls (1997), Phil in the 2001 cult British independent film Mr In-Between, and Vic in the British comedy Three and Out (2008). Benton featured in all three of The Booze Cruise episodes, with Martin Clunes and Brian Murphy, among others. In 1996 he appeared in Catherine's Cookson The Girl.

Benton played the role of the bank manager in a string of eight television commercials for the Nationwide Building Society, directed by Armando Iannucci, shown from 2004 to 2010.

In April 2008, Benton appeared as Jess Yates in the BBC Four drama Hughie Green, Most Sincerely.

Benton did the voiceover for the programme Street Doctor on BBC One.

Other roles have included Connor in Afterlife (2005), Dad in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009), Hustle (2010), and Farmer Finch in the BBC's Land Girls.

Benton joined the cast of BBC drama Waterloo Road in its seventh series[3] as Daniel 'Chalky' Chalk, a maths teacher, until 6 March 2013. He returned for an episode in series 9.

In 2011, Benton appeared in The Railway Children at Waterloo Station in London as Mr Perks.

On BBC Radio 4, Benton starred as the optimistic title character Harvey Easter in Mr Blue Sky, written by Andrew Collins and broadcast in May and June 2011. A second series was due for May 2012. Benton has also played Fred the butcher in the televised series of episodes by Catherine Cookson.

In 2012, Benton appeared in the one-off special Panto! as Francis, the Director of the play. In July 2012, it was announced that Benton would star as Edna Turnblad in the 2013 UK tour of Hairspray the Musical, starting in February 2013 and finishing in September 2013.[4]

In 2015, Benton appeared as Police Constable Walt Everett in the BBC daytime series Father Brown, episode 3.12 "The Standing Stones". He also appeared as Les in the "La Couchette", the first episode of the second series of anthology series Inside No. 9. In 2015, Benton presented the BBC One daytime game show The Edge for its first series, being replaced by Gabby Logan.[5]

In 2016, UK progressive rock band Gandalf's Fist announced that Benton would voice several characters on their album The Clockwork Fable.[6]

On 21 August 2016, Benton played Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream in the BBC prom 48 festival.[7] Benton appeared as a bartender in the December 2016 Christmas special of British sitcom Outnumbered.

In 2017, he played Dennis Feldman in the ITV drama The Halcyon.[8]

Since February 2018, Benton has appeared as Frank Hathaway, alongside actress Jo Joyner as Luella Shakespeare, in the new BBC daytime comedy drama Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators.[9] Benton played the role of Eddie Rowbotham in episode 2 of the 20th series of Midsomer Murders ("Death of the Small Coppers").[10]

[edit]

In September 2013, Benton became one of the contestants in the eleventh series of the BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing, where he was partnered with world dancing champion Iveta Lukosiute. The couple left the show on week 10 after losing the public vote.[11] Mark Benton has been in the most consecutive dance-offs in Strictly history with the number of 4 weeks in a row. He was eliminated in the 4th dance-off.

On March 2, 2024, Benton competed against other contestants on general knowledge skills during the Celebrity Weakest Link game show ending up winning the contest and receiving £9,400 for his charity, the Heavy Metal Truants cycling charity group that raises money for the children's charities including Nordoff & Robbins, Childline, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Save The Children.[12]

Personal life

[edit]

Benton has been married to Sarah Gardner since 2002; they have three children.

Benton is a supporter of Middlesbrough F.C.. He has featured in the club's official website advertising campaign to encourage other fans to renew their season ticket.

Benton is a fan of progressive rock bands including Cardiacs, Matt Stevens, King Crimson, Steven Wilson and The Fierce and the Dead.[13]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1994 There's No Business Barman
1996 The Girl Fred Loam TV film
Lord of Misrule Antler Man TV film
1997 Career Girls Richard Burton
Dilemma SWAT Team
1998 The Sea Change Derek
1999 The Lost Son Giant
Topsy-Turvy Mr. Price
Last Christmas Father Christmas TV film
2001 Blow Dry George
Nice Guy Eddie Tony Bentley TV film
A Small Summer Party Euros TV film
Mr In-Between Phil
Murphy's Law McBride TV film
Redemption Road Sherbert Man
2002 Crime and Punishment Zosimov TV film
All or Nothing Man at Bar
Out of Control Governor TV film
2003 The Booze Cruise Dave Bolton TV film
Cheeky Big Mick
2004 The Reckoning Sheriff
Lighthouse Hill Peter
Monkey Trousers Various roles TV film
Gladiatress Stage Manager/Hermes
Quite Ugly One Morning Darren Mortlake TV film
King of Fridges Alan TV film
Christmas Lights Howie TV film
2005 Planespotting Paul Coppin TV film
The Booze Cruise II: The Treasure Hunt Dave TV film
2006 The Booze Cruise III: The Scattering Dave TV film
If I Had You Harry Fielding TV film
Breaking and Entering Legge
Magnolia Gregg TV film
2008 Hughie Green, Most Sincerely Jess Yates TV film
Three and Out Vic
Flick Sgt. Miller
Clash of the Santas Howie TV film
2009 My Last Five Girlfriends Alan
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus Dad
Beyond the Pole Graham
2012 Boys on Film 8: Cruel Britannia Phil
Steppin' Out with Katherine Jenkins Eddie Finch TV film
Panto! Francis de Winter TV film
Apples Lamppost 1 Voice role
2015 Danny and the Human Zoo Syd Noble TV film
Eddie the Eagle Richmond the BOA Official
National Theatre Live: As You Like It Touchstone
2017 Anna and the Apocalypse Tony Shepherd
Ratburger Gary TV film
2018 Torvill & Dean Ted TV film
2021 Cyrano Montfluery
2022 Christmas Carole Leon TV film
2023 Secrets of a Wallaby Boy Roland
The Devil Went Down to Islington Barry Grossman

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1991–1992 Boon Charlie Hardiman Recurring role, 9 episodes
1992 Desmond's Policeman Episode: "Too Young"
1993 KYTV Policeman Episode: "Fly on the Walls"
1994 Moving Story Detective Constable Halford Episode: "Charlotte, Emma, Bamber & Anne"
Finney Billy Series regular, 6 episodes
1995 The Bill Patrick Hughson Episode: "Hit and Miss"
Kavanagh QC Sergeant Redbridge Episode: "Heartland"
1996 Roger and the Rottentrolls Mook Episode: "The Rubbish Monster"
Screen Two Ambulance Man Episode: "Crossing the Floor"
1997 See You Friday Bernie 2 episodes
Dalziel and Pascoe Jonathan Etherege Episode: "Ruling Passion"
All Quiet on the Preston Front Richard Episode: "Polson’s Mess"
1998 Kiss Me Kate Client Episode: "Calendar"
The Jump Timmy Lambert Mini-series, 3 episodes
1999 Eureka Street Chuckle Mini-series, 4 episodes
Ballykissangel Mickeyo Episode: "The Wedding"
1999–2003 Barbara Martin Pond Series Regular, 24 episodes
2000 As Time Goes By Paul Partridge Episode: "Going Online"
Gimme Gimme Gimme Bob Hobbs Episode: "Stiff"
This Is Personal: The Hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper Terence Hawkshaw Mini-series, 2 episodes
Nature Boy Fred Mini-series
Holby City Gavin Cunningham Episode: "Into the Woods"
Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) Harry Wallis Episode: "A Blast from the Past"
Comedy Lab Barry Anderson Episode: "Anderson"
Human Remains Leighton Episode: "All Over My Glasses"
2001 Dr. Terrible's House of Horrible Sergeant Rohmer Episode: "Frenzy of Tongs"
Micawber Ezra Episode: "Micawber Learns the Truth"
2002 Breeze Block Mr. Shields Series regular, 6 episodes
Nice Guy Eddie Tony Bentley Series 1, Episode 1
2003 The Second Coming Johnny Tyler Mini-series, 2 episodes
Swiss Toni Crazy Alan 2 episodes
Clocking Off Colin Wilkes Recurring role, 5 episodes
40 Gregory Mini-series, 3 episodes
2003–2004 Murphy's Law Father McBride Recurring role, 6 episodes
Early Doors Eddie Series Regular, 12 episodes
2004 Family Business Graham Kirk Series 1, Episode 5
Catterick Mark Series regular, 6 episodes
Born and Bred Mr. Ffotherington Episode: "More Than You Know"
2005 Doctor Who Clive Series 1, Episode 1: "Rose"
Twisted Tales Trev Episode: "Guardian"
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries Professor Elias Blackwell Episode: "Word of God"
Afterlife Connor McClune Episode: "Misdirection"
2006 Northern Lights Howie Regular role, 6 episodes
Comedy Doubles Commentator Series regular, 6 episodes
I'm with Stupid Sheldon Recurring role, 3 episodes
2007 Fallen Angel Eddie Episode: "The Four Last Things"
City Lights Howie Series regular, 6 episodes
The Street Wayne Taylor Recurring role, 4 episodes
2008 The Slammer Mr. Beltham Series 2, Episode 13
Roman Mysteries Floridius Recurring role, 2 episodes
Britannia High Mr. Nugent Series regular, 8 episodes
2009 Desperate Romantics Mr. Chadwick Mini-series, 2 episodes
The Fixer Leo Westbrook Recurring role, 2 episodes
Blue Murder Neville Notts Episode: "Inside"
Personal Affairs Iain Ebelthite Mini-series, 5 episodes
2009–2011 Land Girls Farmer Finch Series Regular, 15 episodes
Scoop Max de Lacey Series regular, 39 episodes
2010 Hustle Finch Episode: "The Thieving Mistake"
Coming Up Phil Episode: "I Don't Care"
2011 Silent Witness Patrick Cain Episode: "Lost"
Inspector George Gently Geoff Blackburn Episode: "Goodbye China"
2011–2012 Mr Blue Sky Harvey Easter Series regular, 10 episodes
2011–2014 Waterloo Road Daniel "Chalky" Chalk Regular role, 49 episodes
2012 White Van Man Kenny Knobbler Episode: "Cupboard"
2013 Walk on the Wild Side Various roles Series 3, Episode 3
2014 The Job Lot Gary Pickles Series 2, Episode 6
Psychobitches Mrs. Noah Series 2, Episode 3
Educating Bitchfield Mr. Lister Episode: "School on Report"
2015 Father Brown PC Walt Everett Episode: "The Standing Stones"
The Holidaymakers Narrator Regular role, 8 episodes
Inside No. 9 Les Episode: "La Couchette"
BBC Comedy Feeds Phil Episode: "Fishbowl"
Doctors Mal McBride Episode: "The Heart of England"
2016 Outnumbered Brian Christmas Special
Damned Mike Series 1, Episode 5
2017 The Halcyon Feldman Series regular, 8 episodes
Tracey Ullman's Show Mayor Bob Series 2, Episode 6
2018 Death in Paradise Les Doyle Episode: "The Stakes Are High"
Midsomer Murders Eddie Rowbotham Episode: "Death of the Small Coppers"
2018–present Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators Frank Hathaway Series regular, 50 episodes
2021 Vera Stanley Booth Episode: S11E2 "Recovery"
2021-2023 The Nevers The Colonel Recurring, 5 episodes
2022 Big Tree City Major Prickles (voice) 6 episodes
Dead Canny Karl Episode: "Pilot"
The Read Narrator Episode: "The Day of the Sardine"
Dodger The Abbott Episode: "Train"
2023 Grantchester Sam "Mac" MacKenzie Episode: "Series 8, Episode 6"
2024 Inside No. 9 Party Guest Episode: "Plodding On"
2024–present Smoggie Queens Mam 6 episodes
2025–present Patience DCI Calvin Baxter Series regular, 14 episodes

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Mark Benton

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Mark Benton (born 16 November 1965) is an English actor and television presenter recognized for his versatile performances in and series, particularly his role as the affable publican Eddie in the sitcom (2003–2004). Born in , , Benton has built a career spanning over three decades, appearing in more than 100 television episodes and films, often portraying working-class characters with a blend of humor and pathos. His work extends to presenting, including hosting the first series of the daytime game show (2015) on , and he gained wider public attention as a contestant on the eleventh series of in 2013, where he was partnered with professional dancer Iveta Lukosiute. Benton grew up in the Grangetown area of , a working-class neighborhood near the British Steel works, in a family environment that included his uncle, Michael Gunn, who inspired his early interest in performing. He attended Sarah Metcalfe Comprehensive School and later studied at Stockton/Billingham Technical College before training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in , where he was initially rejected at age 18 but gained admission on a second attempt. His early involvement in local theatre, including the Middlesbrough Youth Theatre, laid the foundation for his professional debut in the 1980s. Benton's breakthrough came in the 1990s with recurring roles such as Martin Pond in the ITV sitcom Barbara (1999–2003), followed by prominent parts in series like Waterloo Road as mathematics teacher Daniel Chalk (2011–2014) and Frank Hathaway in the BBC's Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators (2018–present). On film, he has appeared in titles including (1997), (2001), and the horror musical (2017), earning praise for his supporting performances. Additional notable television credits include Howard "Howie" Scott in Northern Lights (2007), Father McBride in (2005–2007), and guest spots in shows such as , , and . His contributions to British entertainment have been marked by consistent work in both scripted series and reality formats, including the role of Max de Lacey in Smoggie Queens (2023–present), solidifying his status as a familiar face in media.

Early life

Childhood

Mark Benton was born on 16 November 1965 in , , . He grew up in the Grangetown area of in a working-class family. His father worked as a long-distance lorry driver. Benton was particularly influenced by his uncle, actor Michael Gunn, whom he hero-worshipped as a child and who sparked his early interest in performance. This family connection to the acting world, combined with the cultural environment of the North East, shaped his formative years before transitioning to formal education.

Education

Mark Benton attended Sarah Metcalfe Comprehensive School in Eston, near , where he developed an early interest in . Following his , he studied at Stockton Technical College, gaining foundational skills that supported his burgeoning acting aspirations. During his school years, Benton participated actively in dramatic activities through the Youth Theatre. These experiences provided him with initial stage exposure and honed his dramatic abilities in a supportive environment. Benton pursued professional acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in , enrolling after completing his technical college studies. He graduated with a in Acting in 1990, marking the culmination of his formal education in the field. This rigorous program equipped him with the technical proficiency and versatility essential for his subsequent career in stage and screen performance.

Career

Early career

Following his graduation from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1990, Mark Benton began his professional acting career in theater, starting with student productions that transitioned into early professional engagements in London. In 1989–1990, while still at RADA, he appeared in Kasimir and Karoline and Charley's Aunt, both staged at the academy's London theater. His first notable professional theater role came in 1991 with Cheek by Jowl's production of Shakespeare's As You Like It, where he played Silvius during a UK tour that culminated at the Albery Theatre (now Noël Coward Theatre) in London, running until February 1994. Benton's entry into television marked his shift from stage to screen in the early 1990s, beginning with minor supporting roles that highlighted his versatility as a . He made his TV debut in the ITV series Boon (1991–1992), portraying Charlie Hardiman in nine episodes alongside . This was followed by a in in 1995, playing Patrick Hewson in the episode "Hit and Miss." These early screen credits, often in procedural dramas, provided Benton with initial exposure beyond theater while he continued to build his repertoire as a jobbing navigating sporadic opportunities in London's competitive scene. Throughout the 1990s, Benton's career involved a mix of theater tours and occasional television work, laying the groundwork for more prominent roles, though details on early radio or voice contributions remain limited in available records.

Television roles

Mark Benton's breakthrough in television came with his role as Martin Pond, the hapless son-in-law in the ITV sitcom Barbara, which aired from 1999 to 2003 and showcased his knack for playing affable, put-upon everymen in domestic settings. In the series, Benton portrayed Pond as a constantly navigating tensions with his outspoken mother-in-law, Barbara Liversidge, contributing to the show's blend of sharp wit and family chaos over four series. He followed this with the role of Eddie, the mild-mannered regular at a pub, in the Early Doors (2003–2004), a critically acclaimed series that captured Northern working-class humor through its and observational style. The show, created by and , earned a BAFTA Television Award for Best New Comedy in 2004, highlighting Benton's ability to convey quiet pathos amid the pub's everyday absurdities. Benton continued exploring family dynamics in the ITV comedy-drama Northern Lights (2006), where he played Howard "Howie" Scott, a gentle giant and devoted family man whose competitive rivalry with brother-in-law Colin Armstrong often led to heartfelt, humorous mishaps. This role, alongside , extended into spin-offs like (2007) and emphasized Benton's warmth in portraying relatable, blue-collar paternal figures in ensemble family narratives. Demonstrating dramatic range, Benton portrayed mathematics teacher Daniel "Chalky" Chalk in the school drama Waterloo Road from 2011 to 2014, a character whose personal struggles with and redemption added emotional depth to the series' exploration of inner-city education challenges. His performance as the well-meaning but flawed educator, who briefly returned in series 9, underscored Benton's shift from comedy to more serious, character-driven storytelling. Since 2018, Benton has starred as the gruff yet endearing Frank Hathaway in the BBC's Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators, a light-hearted crime drama set in , the series' fifth aired in 2025, with a sixth confirmed for 2026. Paired with as Luella Shakespeare, Benton's Hathaway brings a mix of world-weary cynicism and loyalty, solving cases inspired by Shakespearean themes across multiple series. In recent years, Benton has embraced diverse roles, including the matriarchal Mam in the Smoggie Queens (2024), where he played the nurturing heart of a drag family navigating community and personal trials. He also voiced the adventurous grandfather Jim in the animated series Nikhil & Jay (2024–present), blending humor with cultural fusion in stories of Indian-British family life. In 2025, he appeared in the series Down Cemetery Road as Tony McGrath, Bookish as Eddie Gash, and as Calvin Baxter. Benton's versatility spans and , evident in his comedic turn as the scheming in the BBC's (2015) and his dramatic portrayal of head concierge Dennis Feldman in the ITV period piece (2017), where he navigated wartime intrigue at a hotel. These roles illustrate his adeptness at both light-hearted ensemble work and tense, historical narratives, cementing his status as a reliable figure in British television.

Film roles

Mark Benton's entry into film began in the late 1990s with a supporting role as Ricky in Mike Leigh's (1997), where he portrayed a memorable character in the indie drama exploring friendship and past connections. This debut marked his transition from stage and television work into cinema, showcasing his ability to deliver nuanced performances in character-driven narratives. In the early , Benton appeared in mainstream British films, including the role of George, a quirky , in (2001), a comedy-drama centered on a hairdressing competition that highlighted his comedic timing alongside stars like and . These early roles established him as a reliable in lighthearted, ensemble-driven stories typical of British cinema. Benton continued to build his film credits with diverse supporting parts, notably as Tony, the protective father navigating a outbreak in the holiday horror musical (2017). His performance contributed to the film's recognition at the in 2018, where it won a Special Award, praising the ensemble's blend of humor, music, and genre elements. More recently, Benton has embraced roles in both period pieces and contemporary comedies. In Joe Wright's musical adaptation Cyrano (2021), he played the bombastic actor Montfleury, adding levity to the romantic drama starring . He followed this with Leon, a ghostly figure in the festive TV film Christmas Carole (2022), a modern twist on Dickens' that leaned into his strengths in whimsical, heartwarming tales. In 2023, Benton portrayed Barry Grossman, a music teacher entangled in mishaps, in the indie horror-comedy The Devil Went Down to . Throughout his film career, Benton has specialized in supporting roles as comedic everyman figures or affable sidekicks, often in British independent productions and holiday-themed stories, complementing his more prominent television presence by providing grounded, relatable energy to ensemble casts.

Presenting and reality television

Benton ventured into presenting and in the 2010s, broadening his entertainment profile beyond scripted roles. In 2013, he participated in the eleventh series of on , partnering with professional dancer Iveta Lukosiute. The pair performed various and Latin dances, including a in week one and a jive in week eight, before being eliminated after landing in the dance-off for the fourth consecutive week. From 2016 to 2017, Benton narrated the British version of the cooking competition on , providing commentary that guided viewers through the contestants' challenges and helped shape the show's narrative flow. His warm, engaging delivery complemented the on-screen hosts and , highlighting his versatility in non-acting formats. This role demonstrated Benton's presenting skills, as his narration added humor and accessibility to the competitive cooking series. Benton made guest appearances on programs like , where he discussed his projects and connected with audiences in a lighter, conversational capacity. He also featured in other reality formats, including a 2015 Children in Need celebrity special of The Chase on ITV, teaming up with fellow contestants to compete in the quiz for charity. In 2024, Benton competed on a celebrity edition of on BBC One, emerging as the winner and donating his prize to charity. These endeavors significantly boosted Benton's public visibility, allowing him to engage fans through competitive and hosting elements that contrasted his dramatic work, while fostering a more relatable persona in British media.

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleDirector
1997Ricky
1999The Lost SonGiant
1999Mr. Price
2001George
2002All or NothingMan at Bar
2003CheekyBig Mick
2004The ReckoningSheriffPaul McGuigan
2004Lighthouse HillPeterDavid Fairman
2006Breaking and EnteringLegge
2008FlickSgt. MillerDavid Howard
2009Beyond the PoleBillyJanet Godolphin
2009Father
2016Richmond the BOA Official
2017TonyJohn McPhail
2021CyranoMontfleury
2022Christmas CaroleLeonJ.D. Allen-Taylor
2023The Devil Went Down to Barry GrossmanDaniel Wilson
2023Secrets of a Wallaby BoyRolandKieron Moore

Television

Mark Benton made his television debut with guest appearances in the early 1990s. His early credits include a role in the crime drama Boon (1991–1992), where he appeared in episodes as a supporting character on ITV. From 1999 to 2003, Benton portrayed Martin Pond in the ITV sitcom Barbara, appearing in all 22 episodes alongside . In 2003–2004, he played the lead role of Eddie in the sitcom , starring in all 12 episodes across two series. Benton also appeared as Father McBride in the BBC series (2003, 2005–2007). Benton appeared as Howard in the BBC One drama Northern Lights (2006), a role spanning two series focused on a family running a B&B. He guest-starred in various episodes of (2005) as a minor character and (2002–2005) as Mr. Ffotherington on BBC One. In 2011–2014, Benton recurred as Daniel Chalk, the deputy headteacher, in multiple episodes of the BBC One school drama Waterloo Road. He featured as Geoff Blackburn in an episode of the ITV crime series (2011). From 2018 to 2025, Benton starred as Frank Hathaway in the mystery comedy-drama Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators, appearing in all episodes across series 1–6 (approximately 50 episodes total). In 2018, he played Ted in the ITV biopic miniseries Torvill & Dean. Benton portrayed The Colonel in the HBO Max series (2021), appearing in several episodes. In 2024, he voiced grandpa Jim in the animated Nikhil & Jay, contributing to all 52 episodes. That same year, Benton played Mam in the Smoggie Queens, appearing in all 6 episodes. In 2025, he starred as DCI Calvin Baxter in the crime drama , a series regular across its initial episodes. Also in 2025, Benton guest-starred as Eddie Gash in an episode of the U& mystery series Bookish. Additional guest appearances include roles in Vera (2017) on ITV, (2017) on ITV, and series 8 (2023) as Sam Mackenzie on ITV.

Personal life

Family

Mark Benton married Sarah Gardner in 2002. The couple has three children: sons (born circa 1998) and Fig (born circa 2005), and daughter Grace (born circa 2001). Benton and his family reside in , , having relocated from his native to prioritize a stable home environment amid his acting commitments. This move has allowed Benton to better balance the demands of his career, which often involves travel for filming, with family responsibilities.

Philanthropy

Mark Benton has been actively involved in efforts for children's charities, notably through physical challenges. In 2009, in preparation for Marathon, he created a campaign to support The Children's Trust, a organization providing rehabilitation and care for children with brain injuries. This marked his second time running the event, where he aimed to complete the race in under four hours while raising at least £1,500 to aid the charity's work in helping children recover from serious illnesses or accidents. In 2024, Benton demonstrated his commitment to youth hospices by donating his full winnings of nearly £10,000 from the BBC's Celebrity Weakest Link to the Heavy Metal Truants, a cycling charity that raises funds for children's hospices across the . The donation was intended to support the organization's efforts in providing care and relief to seriously ill children and their families, highlighting Benton's alignment with causes benefiting vulnerable youth. As a native of , Benton advocates for local community causes, including his lifelong support for , where he has appeared in official club videos to encourage fan engagement and ticket sales, fostering community spirit around the team. He extended this regional involvement by becoming a patron of Tees Valley Arts in 2011, promoting arts programs that deliver creative opportunities and across the area. More recently, in 2023, Benton served as a judge for the Tees Make A Difference Awards, recognizing outstanding community contributions in the and amplifying local philanthropy.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0072949/
  2. https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/mark_benton/
  3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/4n1mtKJmM6438dGL8XWB1SZ/mark-benton-progress
  4. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/mark_benton
  5. https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/08_august/14/stupid_mark.shtml
  6. https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/mark-benton-118622/
  7. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0072949/bio/
  8. https://lifeofwylie.com/2006/09/06/benton-acting/
  9. https://www.goldenthroats.fandom.com/wiki/Mark_Benton
  10. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/mark-benton/credits/3030009087/
  11. https://guide.doctorwhonews.net/person.php?name=MarkBenton
  12. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/arts-and-culture/film-and-tv/why-mark-benton-has-high-hopes-for-the-halcyon-1785049
  13. https://ilovemanchester.com/mark-benton-on-his-most-difficult-acting-job-and-why-he-wasnt-in-early-doors-live
  14. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/fameandfortune/10947475/Mark-Benton-Strictly-was-well-paid-but-Nationwide-adverts-pay-better.html
  15. https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/local-news/marks-career-is-flying-3804274
  16. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/4N1sz97C6F501m5z1cjMfrW/mark-benton
  17. https://www.teesvalleyarts.org.uk/about-us/patrons/
  18. https://www.rada.ac.uk/profiles/mark-benton/
  19. https://theatricalia.com/person/75f/mark-benton
  20. https://www.cheekbyjowl.com/productions/as-you-like-it/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090400/
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0837901/
  23. https://www.countryimagesmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-interviews/celebrity-interview-mark-benton/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0187623/fullcredits/
  25. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0187623/
  26. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0366010/
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0497863/
  28. https://waterloord.fandom.com/wiki/Daniel_Chalk
  29. https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/a504230/mark-benton-to-return-to-waterloo-road-during-ninth-series/
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7526498/
  31. https://corporate.uktv.co.uk/newsroom/shakespeare-and-hathaway-private-investigators-recommissioned-for-sixth-series
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32315886/
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5808318/
  34. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0072949/awards/
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4686870/fullcredits/
  36. https://www.channel4.com/press/news/michael-caines-and-prue-leith-announced-my-kitchen-rules-uk
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQtjq4FcaiY
  38. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001x0xh
  39. https://www.loudersound.com/news/weakest-link-heavy-metal-truants
  40. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117936/
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0175747/
  42. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0121887/
  43. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0226154/
  44. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0286261/
  45. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0321640/
  46. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0376042/
  47. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0312697/
  48. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478117/
  49. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0950749/
  50. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1322330/
  51. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1054606/
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2323984/
  53. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6264654/
  54. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1306468/
  55. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19775252/
  56. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1885411/
  57. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24070220/
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0376761/
  59. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32820700/
  60. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31495377/
  61. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/film-and-tv/weigh-to-go-mark-1057265
  62. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bentonmark
  63. https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/local-news/mark-benton-becomes-official-patron-3686761
  64. https://www.facebook.com/marske.unitedfc/posts/shout-out-to-actor-mark-benton-who-was-one-of-the-first-to-raise-awareness-and-d/801862395287325/
  65. https://kids.kiddle.co/Mark_Benton
  66. https://www.facebook.com/bbctees/videos/mark-benton-is-a-judge-at-our-mad-awards/3587621851465376/
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