Duncan Preston
Duncan Preston (born 11 August 1946) is an English actor. He is known for his appearances in television productions written by Victoria Wood, including his roles of Clifford in the soap opera parody sketches Acorn Antiques, and Stan in the sitcom Dinnerladies (1998–2000). He reprised his role of Clifford in Acorn Antiques: The Musical! in 2005. His other television roles include DS Todd in the soap opera EastEnders (1987), Jonathan Haslam in the sitcom Surgical Spirit (1989–1995); playing Kevin's dad in Harry Enfield and Chums (1994); and Doug Potts in the soap opera Emmerdale (2007–2011, 2014–2020).[2]
Duncan Preston | |
---|---|
Born | |
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 1964–present |
Television | Surgical Spirit (1989–1995) Dinnerladies (1998–2000) Emmerdale (2007–2011, 2014–2020) |
Spouse(s) | |
Partner(s) | Susan Penhaligon (1997–) |
Career
Preston appeared in a 1981 Public Information Film entitled: Say NO to Strangers, as a kerb-crawling predator attempting to lure a schoolgirl into his car. He has also made many guest appearances in various TV series, including Hunters Walk, Secret Army, The Professionals, All Creatures Great and Small, Robin of Sherwood, Bergerac, The New Statesman, Press Gang, Chalk, Boon, Casualty, Heartbeat, The Royal, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, Holby City, Peak Practice, Midsomer Murders, Dalziel and Pascoe and My Family.
He was also a regular cast member in the sitcom Surgical Spirit and appeared as Dennis Stokes in Coronation Street in 2004. Preston is currently seen in Emmerdale as Doug Potts, the father of Laurel Thomas. He has also appeared on Lily Savage's Blankety Blank.[3]
Personal life
Preston was married to actress Susan Penhaligon between 1986 and 1992. They subsequently reconciled in 1997, though they have not remarried. Duncan has supported the Bradford Bulls Rugby League team throughout his life, having first attended a game when he was 3 years old.[4]
Stage work
A renowned Shakespearean actor, Preston has performed in many productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company, including playing Angus in Trevor Nunn's version of Macbeth (stage 1976, television 1978), starring Ian McKellen and Judi Dench. Other theatre work includes a 2007 production of To Kill A Mockingbird.
He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Bradford on 4 December 2002 "for his contributions as an actor".[5]
References
- "Bradford actor Duncan Preston: Role great for older actors". Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
- "Duncan Preston to take 'Emmerdale' break". Digital Spy. 28 July 2010. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
- Lily Savage's Blankety Blank. 29 April 2001. ITV.
- "Emmerdale star Duncan Preston thinks Bulls will have to win at least eight of their last 12 games to survive the drop". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. 24 June 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
- UoB Press release, brad.ac.uk; accessed 20 August 2014.