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Nick Stringer
Nick Stringer
Nick Stringer
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Nick Stringer (born 10 August 1948 in Torquay, Devon) is an English actor.

Key Information

In his forty-year career, Stringer has appeared in numerous well-known British television shows, including The Bill, Bergerac , Open All Hours, Only Fools and Horses, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, Coronation Street, Family Affairs, Minder, Johnny Jarvis, Butterflies, My Family and The Professionals. He also had roles in the films The Long Good Friday (1980), Clockwise (1986) and Personal Services (1987).

In The Bill he played PC Ron Smollett, a likeable, hard-working, and honest cop, from 1990 to 1993.

Stringer appeared in the first two series of The New Statesman as the fictional Member of Parliament Bob Crippen, a Labour opponent of the Conservative Alan B'Stard.

Other roles have included a cameo role in Goodnight Sweetheart in the episode "You're Driving Me Crazy" as an undercover detective, and as a deputy headmaster Mr Sullivan in Press Gang (mainly appearing in the first two seasons). He appeared in the BBC drama Holby City, in an episode entitled "Doctor's Dilemma", on 18 June 2008.

Stringer has also made two guest appearances in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, in the episodes "Go West Young Man" he plays an Australian and in "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", he plays Del's old business partner, Jumbo Mills, who emigrated to Australia.[1]

He is also noted for his strong performance alongside Trevor Byfield in the Minder episode 'The Old School Tie' from Series 2 in 1980 in which they play heavies in what is often claimed to be the most violent episode of the entire ten series.

Nick also appeared in Super Gran as super villain Mad Mick Merseyside. (1985)

Stringer lives in Bristol, England, and is married with two children. In 2018, Stringer recorded a two-part interview for The Bill Podcast

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1978 The Shout Cobbler
1978 The Life Story of Baal Taxi Driver
1979 That Summer! Policeman
1980 The Long Good Friday Billy
1982 Give Us This Day Mr. Burton
1983 The Terence Davies Trilogy Robert's Father (segment: Madonna and Child)
1986 Clockwise Det. Sgt. Rice
1987 Personal Services P.C. Baker
1988 We Think the World of You Butcher
1989 Work Experience Man on phone Short film
1996 Stella Does Tricks Edward
1999 Captain Jack Chip Shop Owner
2005 Oliver Twist Inspector Blather
2008 The Edge of Love PC Williams
2008 I Know You Know Mic the barman
2017 Karen Unknown Short film

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1978 Pickersgill People PC Shane Pritchard 3 episodes
1978 The Devil's Crown Marchades Episode: "Bolt from the Blue"
1978 A Soft Touch Zoo keeper Episode: "The Toad Work"
1978 Target Matthews Episode: "Figures of Importance"
1978 The Sweeney Patsy Kearny Episode: "One of Your Own"
1978 Play for Today Terry Episode: "Soldiers Talking, Cleanly"
1979 Angels Frank Coidin 2 episodes
1979 The Knowledge Cabbie Television film
1980 The Spoils of War Charlie Episode: "End of the Beginning"
1980 Butterflies Wally Episode: "An Empty Cage"
1980 Nobody's Perfect Ernie Episode: "Henry Moves In"
1980 Minder Tommy Episode: "The Old School Tie"
1980 Shoestring Steve Episode: "The Dangerous Game"
1981 Big Jim and the Figaro Club Mayor Episode: "Laughing Like a Drain"
1981 Rosie Van driver Episode: "The Eight Foot Goat"
1981 The Gentle Touch Jimmy Paris Episode: "Knife"
1981–1982 Open All Hours Man

Neville

2 episodes
1982 The Professionals Twig Episode: "Spy Probe"
1982 The New Adventures of Lucky Jim George Bowles 4 episodes
1983 Gaskin Labour councillor Television film
1975–1983 Crown Court Bill Robbins

Jury Foreman

2 episodes
1983 Goodnight and God Bless Harry 4 episodes
1983 Come to Mecca Roger Television film
1983 Johnny Jarvis The Colonel 5 episodes
1984 Poor Little Rich Girls Thickset Man Episode: "The Oriental Chest"
1985 One by One Caldwell Episode: "Parting of the Ways"
1985 Dempsey and Makepeace Piglet Episode: "Nowhere to Run"
1985 Super Gran Mad Mick Episode: "Supergran Grounded"
1985 Dramarama Trevor Taylor Episode: "The Audition"
1985 Black Silk Harry Episode: "Conspiracy of Silence"
1986 Auf Wiedersehen, Pet Customs Officer Episode: "No Sex Please, We're Brickies"
1986 The Collectors Roper Episode: "Uncommon Market"
1986 C.A.T.S. Eyes Bouncer Episode: "Tranmere Dan and Tokyo Joe"
1981–1986 Only Fools and Horses Aussie Man

Jumbo Mills

2 episodes
1987 A Sort of Innocence Roger Stott 2 episodes
1988 Hannay Brabazon Episode: "Voyage into Fear"
1988 Bergerac George Lacey Episode: "Private Fight"
1988 ScreenPlay Dave

Sgt. Brooks

2 episodes
1988 Bread Julian La Mere Episode: #4.2
1988 This Is David Lander Reg Ward Episode: "Not a Pretty Site"
1988 Blind Justice Bill Turner Episode: "Permanent Blue"
1988 The Lenny Henry Show Various Episode: "Christmas 1988"
1987–1989 The New Statesman Crippen

Bob Crippen

4 episodes
1989 Capstick's Law Birties 3 episodes
1986–1989 Boon Mr. Sheridan

Wiggins

2 episodes
1989 About Face Police Chief Episode: "Send Her Victorious"
1990 Tygo Road Tim Episode: #1.2
1990 A Kind of Living Gordon Episode: #3.9
1990 Shoot to Kill Kevin Taylor Television film
1989–1992 Press Gang Mr. Sullivan 15 episodes
1985–1993 The Bill Terry Mitchell

P.C. Smollett

81 episodes
1993 Inside Victor Lewis-Smith 'Old Bill' Policeman 2 Episode: #1.2
1994 Earthfasts Police Sergeant Episode: #1.3
1994 Birds of a Feather Police Supt Episode: "Christmas in Dreamland"
1995 The Famous Five Mr. Curton Episode: "Five on Kirrin Island Again"
1997 Goodnight Sweetheart Tommy Kingdom Episode: "You're Driving Me Crazy"
1997 The Missing Postman Farmer Flint Television film
1984–1997 Coronation Street Frank Harvey

Jump Jackson

16 episodes
1999 Peak Practice PC Pete Greenhaigh Episode: "Single Minded"
1999 Murder Most Horrid Inspector Hibbert Episode: "Elvis, Zeus and Zack"
1999 Family Affairs Max Derwin 49 episodes
2000 My Family Mitch Episode: "Farewell to Alarms"
2001 Gentlemen's Relish Edward Shelburne Television film
2001 Always and Everyone D.C. Simms Episode: #3.8
2001 Kommissarie Winter Alderton Episode: "Dans med en ängel – Del 1"
2003 Born and Bred Reg Samuel Episode: "The Last Hurrah: Part 2"
2004 Doctors D.I. Green Episode: "Cross My Heart"
2005 Down to Earth Clive Mottram Episode: "Sisterly Feelings"
2006 Berry's Way Dawson Television film
2009 Broadside De Ruyter Television film
2004–2010 Holby City Andy McBride

Bernard Robson Gordon Ramsey

3 episodes

References

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

Nick Stringer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Nick Stringer (born 10 August 1948 in , , ) is an English actor recognized for his extensive work in British television and over a career exceeding four decades. Stringer's notable television roles include PC Ron Smollet in the long-running police drama , appearances in the crime series Bergerac, the sitcom , and the children's series . His credits feature supporting parts in the crime thriller (1980) and the historical adaptation (2005). These performances highlight his versatility as a in both dramatic and comedic genres across British media.

Early life and education

Birth and upbringing

Nick Stringer was born on 10 August 1948 in , , . He spent his childhood and early years in the coastal town of , a popular known for its and tourism-driven economy during the post-World War II era. The and environment of Torquay, with its vibrant holiday atmosphere and proximity to the English Riviera, provided a backdrop for his formative experiences. In a 2018 interview on The Bill Podcast, Stringer shared memories of his early life. These childhood encounters laid the groundwork for his later pursuit of acting, though specific family dynamics remain less documented in public accounts.

Acting training

Stringer received his formal acting training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in during the late and early . Following graduation, he transitioned to practical experience through , joining the Playhouse (also associated with the Theatre) in 1974 as part of the renowned "Class of '74." This cohort of emerging actors, which included , , , and , provided Stringer with intensive on-the-job training in stagecraft, ensemble work, and character development under the repertory system. The Liverpool Playhouse experience marked Stringer's foundational steps toward professionalism, where he participated in multiple productions that built his versatility and resilience in live performance. This period, prior to his screen debut in , was instrumental in shaping his career.

Acting career

Early roles (1970s–1980s)

Nick Stringer's professional acting career began in with his debut in the British television drama Children, directed by , where he portrayed Robert's abusive father in a story exploring themes of and family violence. This early credited role marked his entry into television, drawing on his recent training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to deliver a performance that highlighted his ability to convey emotional intensity in supporting parts. Throughout the late and , Stringer built a foundation through guest appearances in prominent British series, often playing authoritative or working-class characters that showcased his versatility. In the early 1980s, he appeared in episodes of popular shows such as Minder (1980), where he played the heavy Tommy in "The Old School Tie," contributing to the series' gritty portrayal of London's underworld. He followed with a role as Neville, a dealer in second-hand appliances, in Open All Hours (1981), injecting humor into the BBC sitcom's depiction of small-town eccentricity. Stringer also featured as the boisterous Aussie Man in Only Fools and Horses (1981), specifically in the episode "Go West Young Man," where his comedic timing complemented the show's chaotic ensemble dynamics. Later in the decade, he took on the part of Customs Officer in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (1986), adding to the series' authentic ensemble of British expatriate workers, and George Lacey in Bergerac (1988), a detective drama that emphasized his skill in tense procedural scenes. Stringer's film debut came in 1980 with , a seminal British crime thriller directed by John Mackenzie, in which he played Billy, a hapless associate of the protagonist Harold Shand (), whose demise in the abattoir scene, where he is hung upside down, underscored the film's raw violence. This role, amid a cast of rising stars, contributed to his emerging profile as a reliable in dramatic narratives. He continued in film with (1986), a comedy directed by , portraying Detective Sergeant Rice, a pursuing officer in John Cleese's frantic time-chase plot, which highlighted Stringer's comedic delivery. In 1987, Stringer appeared in , Terry ' satirical comedy inspired by real events, as P.C. Baker, a bumbling policeman navigating the film's whimsical take on suburban vice, further solidifying his reputation across comedy and dramatic genres during this formative period. These roles, blending his dramatic roots with comedic flair, established Stringer as a versatile supporting player in British media by the end of the 1980s.

Major television roles (1990s–2000s)

Stringer's most prominent television role in the early was as PC Ron Smollett in the long-running The Bill, where he appeared in 81 episodes from 1990 to 1993. Smollett was portrayed as a likeable, hard-working, and honest community posted to Sun Hill station, often handling neighborhood patrols and building rapport with local residents. His highlighted dedication to policing, including managing the Kingsmead Estate beat and surviving a bomb attack on his community station in standout episodes "Comeback" and "Fireproof" (both 1992), which underscored the dangers faced by beat officers. The role concluded in the 1993 episode "High Hopes and Low Life," marking Smollett's departure from the force amid personal reflections on his career. In a 2018 two-part interview on The Bill Podcast, Stringer shared behind-the-scenes insights, including the physical demands of filming on location and fond memories of camaraderie with co-stars like and , emphasizing how the role captured the everyday realities of policing. Building on his late-1980s momentum, Stringer portrayed Bob Crippen, a satirical Labour MP and ideological foil to the scheming Conservative Alan B'Stard (), in four episodes across the first two series of the political comedy The New Statesman (1987–1989). Crippen represented a bumbling yet principled left-wing counterpoint in the show's sharp critique of Thatcher-era politics, appearing in key installments like "Three Line Whipping" (1987) and "" (1988), where his earnest advocacy for workers clashed humorously with B'Stard's opportunism. This recurring role, though spanning into the broadcast context, showcased Stringer's knack for dry, understated satire and helped transition his career toward more ensemble-driven television narratives. From 1989 to 1992, Stringer played Mr. Bill Sullivan, the deputy headmaster and English teacher at Norbridge High School, in 15 episodes of the children's comedy-drama . As the exasperated yet supportive authority figure overseeing the Junior Gazette newspaper team, Sullivan's comedic elements stemmed from his bemused reactions to the chaotic antics of young protagonists like Lynda Day () and Spike Thomson (Paul Reynolds), often mediating between school rules and their journalistic zeal. Episodes such as "One Easy Lesson" (1989) highlighted his paternal guidance amid humorous mishaps, while later appearances like "Day Dreams" (1992) added whimsical fantasy touches to his character. Stringer collaborated closely with the young cast, contributing to the show's blend of wit and coming-of-age themes through improvisational rapport on set. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Stringer took on notable guest spots that reinforced his versatility in British television ensembles. In 1996, he appeared as the shady con artist Jumbo Mills in the Only Fools and Horses Christmas special "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?," scheming alongside Del Boy Trotter (David Jason) in a high-stakes quiz show plot. He guested as Jump Jackson in Coronation Street in 1997, adding to the soap's Weatherfield drama, and as Tommy Kingdom, an undercover detective, in the time-travel comedy Goodnight Sweetheart that same year. Extending into the 2000s, Stringer played Bernard Robson in the medical drama Holby City in 2008, navigating hospital intrigue in the episode "Doctor's Dilemma." These roles, alongside earlier recurring parts, solidified Stringer's reputation as a dependable ensemble player in iconic British series, with his television career continuing through guest appearances up to 2017 in projects like the short Karen.

Film work

Nick Stringer's film career, though less prolific than his extensive television work, featured a series of supporting roles in notable British productions that highlighted his versatility in both dramatic and comedic contexts. Spanning from the late 1970s to the 2010s, his cinematic appearances often portrayed authority figures or working-class characters, contributing to the authenticity of casts in genre-defining films. These roles, while not lead positions, underscored his ability to deliver grounded performances that enhanced the narrative depth of projects rooted in British social realism and period drama. Stringer's entry into feature films came with a memorable supporting role in (1980), directed by John Mackenzie, where he played Billy, one of the henchmen in Harold Shand's () criminal organization. The film, a landmark in British gangster cinema, depicted the East End amid economic shifts, and Stringer's portrayal added to the tense ensemble dynamics during key confrontations, including his character's demise in the abattoir where he is hung upside down, marking his transition from and to the big screen. In the mid-1980s, Stringer showcased his comedic timing in (1986), a Christopher Morahan-directed starring as a punctual headmaster whose journey spirals into chaos. As Detective Sergeant Rice, Stringer appeared in a pivotal scene involving a police investigation, bringing understated humor through his character's dry exasperation amid the escalating absurdity. This role exemplified his skill in blending authority with levity, a contrast to his more intense dramatic work. Stringer's later film contributions included the role of Inspector Blather in Roman Polanski's Oliver Twist (2005), an adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel filmed primarily in Prague's Barrandov Studios to recreate 19th-century London. As the bumbling police inspector investigating Oliver's disappearance, Stringer provided comic relief in a cast led by Ben Kingsley as Fagin, contributing to the film's atmospheric depiction of Victorian poverty and corruption; the production emphasized practical sets and period authenticity under Polanski's direction following his work on The Pianist. He also appeared as Mic the barman in I Know You Know (), a low-budget drama directed by Justin Kerrigan exploring father-son bonds and espionage paranoia, which received a 70% audience score on for its emotional depth and performances. Stringer's brief but pivotal role in a pub scene offered a moment of wry observation, fitting the film's intimate scale and thematic focus on hidden truths. Throughout his , Stringer's opportunities in cinema were bolstered by his established television profile, allowing him to take on selective, character-driven parts that amplified the impact of these projects despite their relative scarcity compared to his small-screen output. As of 2025, no new film credits have been added since 2017.

Personal life

Family and residence

Nick Stringer is married and has two children. He resides in Bristol, England, maintaining close ties to the city through longstanding involvement in its theatre community, including multiple productions at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre.

Later years and reflections

Stringer retired from acting in 2013 after more than four decades in the profession. In a two-part interview on The Bill Podcast in 2018, Stringer reflected on his early life in Torquay, career milestones such as collaborating with performers like Morecambe & Wise, Bob Hoskins, Ronnie Barker, Sir David Jason, and Rik Mayall, and his tenure as PC Ron Smollett on The Bill. He also discussed standout episodes from the series in the second installment, while expressing satisfaction with retirement and his ongoing support for film students. Stringer returned to the public eye in 2021 for an interview on the Only Fools and Horses Podcast, where he delved into his portrayals of Jumbo Mills in the episode "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and the Australian buyer in "." He highlighted the challenges of filming during an FA Cup replay for the latter, the studio audience energy for the former, the series' evolution to 9–11 million viewers by its fifth season, and ranked the Jumbo Mills role among his two favorite television performances. Now 77 years old as of 2025, Stringer resides in and continues to cherish his contributions to British television, as evidenced by these discussions.

Filmography

Television

Year(s)TitleRoleEpisodesSource
1979The KnowledgeCabbie1
1980ButterfliesWally1
1980Tommy1
1981Australian1
1981Neville1
1981Big Jim and the Figaro ClubMayor1
1981RosieVan Driver1
1982Man1
1982The Further Adventures of George BowlesUnknown
1983Goodnight and God BlessHarryUnknown
1984Frank HarveyMultiple
1984Poor Little Rich GirlsThickset Man1
1985Newton & Ridley rep1
1985King Street JuniorMr. Ross1
1986Customs Officer1
1986Jumbo Mills1
1987King Street JuniorMr. Ross1
1987–1989Bob Crippen MP4
1988Julian La Mere1
1988The Lenny Henry SpecialEnsemble Actor1
1988BergeracGeorge Lacey1
1989About FacePolice Chief1
1989–1992Mr. Sullivan15
1989Bob Crippen MP1 (additional)
1990Tygo RoadTim / Anxious Man 11
1990–1993PC Ron Smollett104
1993Inside 'Old Bill' Policeman 21
1994Birds of a FeatherPolice Superintendent1
1995Mr. Curton1
1997Goodnight SweetheartTommy Kingdom1
1997Farmer Flint1
1999Inspector Hibbert1
2000Mitch1
20081

Film

YearTitleRole
1976ChildrenRobert's Father
1978The ShoutCobbler
1980The Long Good FridayBilly
1986ClockwiseDet. Sgt. Rice
1987Personal ServicesP.C. Baker
1996Stella Does TricksEdward
2001Gentleman's RelishEdward Shelburne
2005Oliver TwistInspector Blather
2008The Edge of LovePC Williams
2008I Know You KnowMic the barman
2009BroadsideJim
2017KarenUnknown role

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0834588/bio/
  2. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/145877-nick-stringer
  3. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0834588/
  4. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/nick_stringer_2
  5. https://soundcloud.com/thebillpodcast/33-nickstringer-p1
  6. https://coronationstreet.fandom.com/wiki/Nick_Stringer
  7. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0190302/fullcredits/
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081070/characters/nm0834588
  9. https://cinephiliabeyond.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/The-Long-Good-Friday-1980.pdf
  10. https://thebill.fandom.com/wiki/Ron_Smollett
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0850779/
  12. https://soundcloud.com/thebillpodcast/34-nickstringer-p2
  13. https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/nick_stringer/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0659696/
  15. https://www.tvmaze.com/characters/186482/press-gang-mr-sullivan
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0678022/
  17. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/nick-stringer/credits/3030003266/
  18. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/14807-the-long-good-friday/cast?language=en-US
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090852/characters/nm0834588
  20. https://www.comedy.co.uk/features/comedy-rewind/clockwise/
  21. https://theasc.com/magazine/sept05/oliver/page1.html
  22. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/i_know_you_know
  23. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/145877-nick-stringer?language=en-US
  24. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nick-stringer-30696480
  25. https://theatricalia.com/person/4k9/nick-stringer
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig1l0yWk_dk
  27. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bill-podcast-33-nick-stringer-pc-ron-smollett-part-1/id1217004058?i=1000423272083
  28. https://podcast24.co.uk/episodes/the-bill-podcast/the-bill-podcast-34-nick-stringer-pc-ron-smollett-part-2-36rNBD7Fo
  29. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0648717/
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0521661/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0577521/characters/nm0834588
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1193758/characters/nm0834588
  33. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gentlemens_relish
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7754552/
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