Until he was 7 the family lived in a large Victorian house with his parents and brother and sister. He left school at 15 and enrolled at a drama school where he first had to get rid of his London/Irish accent. On completing his course he had spells in classical theatre and several supporting roles in films. Fame came as Earl of Southampton in the television serial Elizabeth R with Glenda Jackson. Other series included Woman of Substance, Paradise Postponed, Reilly, Ace of Spies and Ever Decreasing Circles. He's married to former actress Myra Francis who he met when they were in The Organisation. They have a daughter Rebecca born in 1972 and live in Chiswick.