About Us

Angie Davidson interviews Patron, Alex Walkinshaw

What made you want to be an actor? If you weren't an actor what career would you have taken up?
When I was younger I went to the Sylvia Young Theatre School . My parents thought it would keep me off the streets and out of trouble. I discovered I enjoyed it and could get paid for doing it! I've no idea what else I would do as I've been doing this since I was young enough to be in Grange Hill.

How long have you been in the Bill?
I first joined the cast as P.C. Smith in 1999 but left in 2000 as Smiffy joined SO19 after shooting Sgt Cryer! That was when I met Sarah, my fiancée as she was a make-up artist on the show. After some theatre work and small t.v. roles I rejoined The Bill in 2002 and my character was promoted to Sergeant. Before I became a regular on the show I had appeared and was arrested 3 times as various criminals!

Would you have liked to have been a policeman in real life?
No!

What's been your favourite storyline?
The Louise Larson story. It was a great story of a dangerous love affair. Sgt Smith and Louise (played by Rosie Marcel) should never have got together, especially as her husband was a gangster, but they were in love! The result was she was killed and Smiffy was framed for her murder!

What's the best thing about being in the Bill?
The Bill has a great team of people working there - on both sides of the camera. We have a lot of laughs and enjoy filming. I love to get involved in the stunts where possible too. That's another perk of the job!

People often get real life and fiction mixed up, has anyone ever thought you were 'Smiffy'?
Occasionally but it's mostly little children.

What other role (apart from the Bill) would you really like or is there a programme you'd like to appear in?
I'd love to be in one of the programmes I'm addicted to like C.S.I. or Dr Who.

The Bill's schedule is very hectic, what do you do to relax in your spare time?
I love going out for days out with Sarah, Flora and Jack. We've got an annual pass to Port Lympe/Howletts zoos and Groombridge Place which are fantastic places for the kids. I also try to squeeze in a game of golf where I can but I usually have to do d.i.y. as we recently moved house and we've got a lot to do.

There's a rumour you're a big West Ham supporter is that right?
Yes! I've even taught my 3yr old daughter Flora to sing "I'm forever blowing bubbles!" I've also been lucky enough to play at Upton Park with past great players of West Ham organised by other charities.

There's also another rumour that you're quite a swimmer, tell us about that.
I used to swim before and after school and swam for Barking and Dagenham. The 100m butterfly was my forte.

Why do you support the St. Thomas' Lupus Trust?
Sarah's mum, Gill, volunteers for the charity and got me involved with various events like fire walking and carol concerts and through that I became aware of just how many people are affected by lupus.

Thanks to Alex for agreeing to be interviewed. Bad news ladies, Alex is engaged to Sarah, he popped the question by writing his proposal in the sand on a Cornish beach - "Sarah T, marry me" - what a little romantic he is!!! Our congratulations to the happy couple pictured here.

Update: Alex and Sarah will marry on 21st June 2009.

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