Ricky Champ

Ricky Champ (born 1 July 1980) is an English actor best known for portraying Paul Parker in the BBC Three sitcom Him & Her (2010–2013) and Stuart Highway in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders (2018–2022, returning in 2025).^[1][2][3] Born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, Champ trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in the early 2000s before beginning his professional acting career in 2005 with theatre and television roles.^[1][3][4] His early television appearances included guest spots on shows such as The Bill and Casualty, building toward breakthrough comedic and dramatic parts.^[1][5] In film, he gained recognition for supporting roles in Edgar Wright's The World's End (2013) as Big Ugly Bastard, Johnny Depp's Mortdecai (2015) as Sergei, and Guy Ritchie's The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024).^[1][6] Champ has also appeared in high-profile fantasy series, including a brief role in Game of Thrones (2016) and as Toothless in The Witcher (2019–present).^[1][7] Beyond soap operas and comedies, Champ's versatility extends to theatre, where he has performed in productions like 2:22 A Ghost Story (2023), and other television credits such as Plebs, Absentia, Suspects, and Piglets.^[8][9][4] In 2025, he reprised his role as the complex character Stuart Highway in EastEnders, appearing in episodes in October for a short stint that showcased his range from antagonist to sympathetic figure.^[10][3][11] In his personal life, Champ is married to actress and producer Samantha Gilbert; the couple has two children.^[1][12] He resides in London and maintains a low public profile outside his professional commitments.^[13]

Early life and education

Early years in Southend-on-Sea

Ricky Champ was born on 1 July 1980 in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England.^[14] Southend-on-Sea is a coastal resort town located on the north side of the Thames Estuary, known for its seven miles of award-winning beaches, the world's longest pleasure pier, and vibrant seaside attractions that draw visitors year-round.^[15] As a unitary authority area in south-eastern Essex, the town has a population of approximately 183,000 and serves as a popular holiday destination with a mix of traditional British seaside culture and modern amenities.^[16] Champ grew up in this seaside environment, which provided the backdrop for his early years before he pursued formal acting training.^[17]

Training at Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Ricky Champ, hailing from Southend-on-Sea, pursued formal acting training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, enrolling in its esteemed BA Acting program.^[18][19] The Guildhall's BA Acting program is renowned for its rigorous, intensive curriculum designed to cultivate versatile performers capable of working across stage, screen, and other media.^[18] It features a high staff-to-student ratio and extensive weekly teaching hours, with the first two years emphasizing foundational skill-building through dedicated classes in acting techniques, voice training to enhance vocal range and clarity, and movement studies to develop physical expressiveness and coordination.^[18] The third year shifts toward practical application, including rehearsals for public productions, industry showcases, and preparation for professional life, such as guidance on auditions and equity membership.^[18] Champ completed his training and graduated in 2002, marking the transition from academic study to professional aspirations.^[20] Immediately following graduation, he entered the acting industry by attending auditions and pursuing initial opportunities in theatre, laying the groundwork for his subsequent career.^[21]

Acting career

Breakthrough roles in television

Ricky Champ gained early recognition in television through his portrayal of Paul Parker in the BBC Three sitcom Him & Her, which aired from 2010 to 2013.^[22] In the series, Champ played the laid-back, affable best friend to the protagonist Steve and husband to Laura, contributing to the show's depiction of everyday millennial relationships and domestic humor across three seasons.^[23] This role marked a significant step in establishing Champ's comedic timing and relatable everyman persona, helping him build a following in British sitcom circles.^[24] Champ's television profile expanded internationally with a guest appearance as Gatins in the sixth season of HBO's Game of Thrones in 2016.^[25] As a rogue member of the Brotherhood Without Banners, Gatins featured in two episodes, "The Broken Man" and "No One," where he confronted a group of septons alongside fellow outlaws, only to meet a violent end at the hands of Sandor Clegane. Though brief, the role immersed Champ in one of television's most acclaimed fantasy epics, showcasing his ability to handle intense, ensemble-driven narratives.^[26] His most prominent television breakthrough came with the role of Stuart Highway in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, debuting in May 2018 and spanning until August 2022, returning in autumn 2025.^[27] Stuart, the enigmatic older brother to Callum Highway, was introduced as a volatile antagonist who infamously assaulted landlord Mick Carter, sparking major family conflicts and redemption arcs involving his marriage to Rainie Branning and a sensitive breast cancer storyline. Champ's nuanced performance captured Stuart's evolution from a mean-spirited outsider to a more layered family man, earning praise for addressing real-world issues within the soap's dramatic framework and solidifying Champ's status as a versatile lead in serialized television.^[28] Supporting roles in various series further diversified Champ's television presence, highlighting his range across genres. In 2010, he appeared as a scaffolder in the debut episode of BBC Two's Rev., adding to the show's quirky portrayal of urban clergy life.^[2] He recurred as Clint in E4's Youngers from 2013 to 2014, embodying a streetwise figure in the music drama about aspiring rappers.^[2] Champ guest-starred as the tough ex-legionnaire Hector in a 2016 episode of ITV2's Plebs, bringing physical comedy to the ancient Roman sitcom.^[29] In the 2015 BBC Three prison comedy Crims, he played the imposing Creg, enhancing the ensemble's chaotic dynamics.^[9] He portrayed Charles Avallone in three episodes of Amazon's Absentia in 2017.^[30] In 2024, Champ appeared as Daz in six episodes of ITV's Piglets and as Carter in an episode of Suspect. Most recently, he played the Mangy Bandit in two episodes of Netflix's The Decameron in 2024 and Toothless in three episodes of The Witcher season 4 in 2025, a historical black comedy set during the Black Death and a fantasy series, respectively, further demonstrating his adaptability in period and international productions.^[31][32]

Film work

Ricky Champ entered the film industry with a minor role in the 2006 British comedy-drama Driving Lessons, directed by Jeremy Brock, where he portrayed the Tough Looking Man, a brief but memorable character in a story exploring a teenager's coming-of-age journey alongside his eccentric acting mentor. This debut came shortly after his graduation from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, serving as his initial foray into feature films and allowing him to collaborate with established talents like Julie Walters and Rupert Grint in a production that emphasized intimate, character-driven narratives.^[33] Champ's film career gained momentum with his appearance in the 2013 ensemble comedy-horror The World's End, directed by Edgar Wright, in which he played the Big Ugly Bastard, contributing to the film's chaotic pub-crawl premise involving alien invasion and nostalgic camaraderie among friends. The movie, part of Wright's Cornetto Trilogy, has since attained cult status for its sharp wit, visual flair, and thematic blend of humor with apocalyptic undertones, with Champ's physical presence enhancing the ensemble's high-energy action sequences alongside Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.^[34][35] In 2015, Champ took on a supporting role as Sergei in the action-comedy Mortdecai, directed by David Koepp, starring Johnny Depp as the titular art dealer entangled in a global chase for a stolen painting. His character added to the film's international flavor and comedic tension through interactions in high-stakes scenarios, showcasing Champ's versatility in supporting larger-than-life narratives within a collaborative cast that included Gwyneth Paltrow and Ewan McGregor.^[36] More recently, Champ featured in the 2025 action-thriller A Working Man, directed by David Ayer, playing Nestor in a story centered on an ex-military construction worker (Jason Statham) confronting human traffickers to rescue a kidnapped girl. This project highlights his involvement in intense, plot-driven cinema, building on the profile boost from his television success in EastEnders, which facilitated transitions to higher-profile film collaborations.^[37]

Theatre engagements

Ricky Champ made his West End debut in 2023, taking on the role of Ben in the supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Apollo Theatre.^[38] In the play, written by Danny Robins and directed by Matthew Dunster, Champ portrayed Ben, a skeptical yet intrigued friend who joins a tense dinner party hosted by new parents Jenny and Sam, along with Sam's sister Lauren; the group stays awake until 2:22 a.m. to investigate eerie noises suggesting paranormal activity in their gentrifying East London home, blending interpersonal drama with supernatural suspense.^[39][40] Champ's performance as Ben, a character with a fascination for the afterlife, drew praise for its comedic timing and nuanced emotional depth, highlighting his ability to engage audiences in a live setting that demands immediate feedback and sustained energy across nightly runs.^[41] Unlike his television roles, which allow for multiple takes and post-production adjustments, Champ described the theatre process as offering a "great" rehearsal period that built a unique "energy" among the cast, emphasizing the intensity of live improvisation and direct audience interaction to heighten the thriller's suspense.^[39][42] This stage engagement marked a significant return to theatre following his training at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he honed skills applicable to professional productions, though no earlier professional stage credits are documented.^[9] Following the run of 2:22 A Ghost Story, Champ balanced theatre acclaim with a brief return to television, reprising his role as Stuart Highway in EastEnders in autumn 2025.^[27]

Personal life

Marriage to Samantha Gilbert

Ricky Champ married Samantha Gilbert on 12 August 2016.^[43] Samantha Gilbert, affectionately known as Sammy, previously worked as a visual merchandiser at H&M.^[3][44] The couple's marriage coincided with Champ's rising profile in television, including his role on EastEnders beginning in 2018, during which Gilbert provided personal support amid professional demands.^[45]

Children and family life

Champ and his wife, Samantha Gilbert, have built their family life around their two children, daughter Beatrix and son River Leo. Beatrix was born on September 16, 2017, making Champ a father at age 37. Their son, River, arrived two weeks early via Caesarean section on June 23, 2022, weighing 7 pounds, when Champ was 41. The couple announced River's birth in an exclusive interview, noting Beatrix's excitement at becoming a big sister.^[14][46][47] The family resides in a renovated home in Essex, close to Champ's hometown of Southend-on-Sea, where they moved in November 2019. This location allows for easy access to local attractions, fostering a grounded family environment. Champ has shared glimpses of their daily dynamics on social media, including a 2021 outing to Barleylands Farm in Billericay, where he, Samantha, and then-four-year-old Beatrix interacted with animals, enjoyed rides, and participated in educational activities; a selfie from the trip was captioned simply "Farm day." These posts highlight the joys of parenthood amid a bustling household that Samantha described as "almost overcrowded" but complete.^[22][3] In July 2025, Champ rushed his wife to the hospital after she suffered a severe allergic reaction that left her unable to speak and with swollen eyes; she has since recovered.^[12] As a father, Champ balances the demands of his schedule with active involvement in family life, often prioritizing quality time during breaks. He has publicly expressed delight in fatherhood through occasional social media updates, such as photos of family moments that underscore his commitment to being present for Beatrix and River despite occasional long workdays. This approach reflects a deliberate effort to integrate parenting into his routine, ensuring family remains central.^[22][3]

Filmography

Film

Ricky Champ began his film career with small roles in independent and mainstream productions, gradually taking on supporting parts in action and comedy features.

Television

Champ began his television career with a guest role as Geoff Hardcastle in the soap opera Family Affairs in 2005, appearing in two episodes.^[56] In 2010, he portrayed a scaffolder in the first episode of the BBC sitcom Rev..^[2] From 2010 to 2013, Champ played the lead role of Paul Parker in the BBC Three sitcom Him & Her, appearing across all three series.^[57] He continued with the role of Clint in the E4 drama series Youngers from 2013 to 2014, featuring in multiple episodes of both seasons.^[2] In 2015, Champ starred as Creg in the BBC Three comedy-drama Crims, a main cast member throughout the single series.^[58] In 2017, Champ appeared as Charles Avallone in three episodes of the Amazon Prime series Absentia.^[59] His international breakthrough came in 2016 as Gatins, a rogue member of the Brotherhood Without Banners, in two episodes of HBO's Game of Thrones season 6.^[60] That same year, he guest-starred as Hector in the episode "The Crimewave" of the ITV2 sitcom Plebs season 3.^[29] In 2019, he began portraying Toothless in the Netflix fantasy series The Witcher, appearing in multiple episodes across seasons 1–4.^[61] Champ joined the BBC soap EastEnders in 2018 as the recurring character Stuart Highway, portraying the ex-soldier and brother of Mick Carter from May 2018 to August 2022, with a brief return in autumn 2025. In 2024, he appeared as the Mangy Bandit in two episodes of the Netflix series The Decameron.^[62] That year, he guest-starred as Carter in the Channel 4 series Suspect.^[63] Also in 2024, Champ starred as Sergeant Daz Black in the ITV sitcom Piglets.^[64]

Theatre

Ricky Champ began his professional stage career with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) during their 2008 Complete Works season in Stratford-upon-Avon and subsequent West End transfer to the Novello Theatre.^[65][66] In Gregory Doran's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Champ portrayed Snout, a member of the rude mechanicals, from July 2008 at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, with the production transferring to the Novello Theatre in London from November 2008 to January 2009.^[67][68] Later that year, in Doran's Hamlet—starring David Tennant in the title role—Champ served as Guildenstern, performing the role during periods when understudies were needed due to cast illnesses, including a run at the Novello Theatre from December 2008 to January 2009.^[69][70] Champ returned to the stage in 2017 as Tybalt in Daniel Kramer's modern-dress production of Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, which ran from 26 April to 9 September.^[71][72] In the pantomime Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook at Fairfield Halls in Croydon, Champ played the villainous Captain Hook from 10 December to 31 December 2022.^[73][74] His most recent West End engagement was in Danny Robins's supernatural thriller 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Apollo Theatre, where he portrayed Ben from 14 May to 17 September 2023.^[42][75]

Awards and nominations

National Television Awards

The National Television Awards (NTAs) represent one of the most prestigious honors in British television, annually voted on by the public to recognize excellence in programming, performances, and personalities across drama, entertainment, and factual categories since their inception in 1995. Hosted at venues like The O2 Arena in London, the ceremony highlights the viewer's choice in celebrating influential contributions to UK TV, often spotlighting emerging talents in high-profile categories. Ricky Champ earned a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 24th National Television Awards in 2019 for his role as the complex character Stuart Highway in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders. This recognition came shortly after his debut in the series in 2018, acknowledging his portrayal of the troubled ex-soldier and its resonance with audiences amid storylines involving trauma and family dynamics. Champ did not win the award, which went to James Moore for his performance as Ryan Stocks in Emmerdale, but the nomination marked an early career highlight tied to his EastEnders tenure. No further NTA nominations for Champ have been recorded in soap or drama categories as of November 2025.^[76][77][78]

Inside Soap Awards

Ricky Champ received several nominations at the Inside Soap Awards for his portrayal of Stuart Highway in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, underscoring his impact in the genre during his tenure from 2018 to 2022.^[79] In 2018, Champ was shortlisted for Best Bad Boy, recognizing Stuart's complex and villainous traits in his debut year on the show.^[80][81] He contended alongside actors such as Connor McIntyre for Coronation Street's Pat Phelan.^[80] Champ earned another shortlist nomination in 2019 for Best Bad Boy, highlighting the continued resonance of Stuart's antagonistic storylines, including his nomination alongside Max Bowden for EastEnders' Ben Mitchell and Mikey North for Coronation Street's Gary Windass.^[82][83] For the 2020 ceremony, Champ appeared on the longlist for Best Actor, reflecting acclaim for his nuanced performance amid Stuart's evolving arcs, and was also nominated for Funniest Performance.^[84][85] In 2021, Champ was longlisted for Best Partnership alongside co-star Tanya Franks, who played Rainie Branning, celebrating the duo's on-screen chemistry in their tumultuous relationship storyline.^[86][87]

British Soap Awards

Ricky Champ received a nomination at the 2019 British Soap Awards for his role as Stuart Highway in EastEnders. He was nominated for Villain of the Year, recognizing the character's dark and manipulative storylines in his second year on the soap. Champ did not win the award.

Other awards

Champ received additional nominations for his EastEnders performance at other ceremonies. In 2018, he was nominated for Best Soap Newcomer at the I Talk Telly Awards. In 2019, he earned a nomination for Best Soap Actor at the TV Choice Awards.