Inside the life of EastEnders star Colin Salmon – from Hollywood to health struggles
He was in three James Bond films
COLIN Salmon gained a whole new set of fans thanks to his role on Albert Square.
However, the veteran actor had an incredibly varied career before he ever stepped foot in Walford.
Before EastEnders, Colin was arguably best known for his role as Charles Robinson in the James Bond film series.
His character was the Deputy Chief of Staff at MI6, first making an appearence in Tomorrow Never Dies.
The star often shared the screen with Dame Judi Dench as he was often by her side as M’s right-hand man.
He was a major part of Pierce Brosnan’s tenure as the iconic secret agent in two more films, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day.
After his acclaimed role, he went onto star in another huge series, playing James “One” Shade in the Resident Evil franchise.
Colin also turned to the small screen for work, as he appeared in a string of major TV shows over the space of 30 years.
One of his more notable roles came in 2006, when he appeared in the eighth and final series of the ITV prison drama, Bad Girls.
He played Senior Medical Officer Dr. Rowan Dunlop on G-Wing as he worked with legendary names in the business, like Stephanie Beacham and Amanda Barrie.
Following this, he played the role of Dr.Moon for a number of episodes of Doctor Who in 2008.
Other parts followed in huge projects like Midsomer Murders, Silent Witness, and Death in Paradise.
There was also a particularly steamy encounter with Billie Piper when he played an US businessman in Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
But it is the role on EastEnders which arguably means the most to him, and he had a very personal reason for joining the soap.
He made his BBC One soap debut in June 2023 as man about town, George Knight, the ex-husband of long-time character Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).
George brought his family onto the square – which included Gina (Francesca Henry) and Anna (Molly Rainford) – as they moved into the Queen Vic.
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But the role meant that he could both work and care for his ill wife, in a move which he called a ‘gift from the universe’.
The star revealed: “My wife is not well so I can’t be far from home, so the universe has brought something quite extraordinary.”
Ultimately, he said it was a sit down conversation with soap boss Chris Clenshaw that convinced him to take on the role.
Colin added: “My agent said I think you should talk to Chris so I did. He was passionate, clear, progressive and had a vision and a clear love for the show and the people who watch it.
“I find that to be the requisite for any job, we give 100% to have somebody like that guiding us. It’s really important.
“I was born in Clapton Pond, I’m an East Ender and it was a big show for us growing up and everybody I’ve told is getting really excited.
“It was a no-brainer. The universe has been really kind. It’s a different genre, I like working hard. I’m happy.”
EastEnders is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
