BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY
Craig Charles
Craig Charles
Craig Charles.jpg
Charles in May 2009
Born Craig Joseph Charles
11 July 1964 (age 52)
Liverpool, Lancashire, England
Occupation Actor, television presenter, comedian, author, poet, DJ
Years active 1981–present
Spouse(s) Cathy Tyson
(1984–1989; divorced)
Jackie Fleming
(1999–present)
Children 3
Craig Joseph Charles (born 11 July 1964) is a British actor, comedian, author, poet, television presenter and DJ. He is best known for playing Dave Lister in the science fiction sitcom Red Dwarf and Lloyd Mullaney in the soap opera Coronation Street, and as a funk and soul DJ.
Charles first appeared on television as a performance poet, which led to minor presenting roles. After finding fame in Red Dwarf, he regularly featured on national television with celebrity appearances on many popular shows while he continued to host a wide variety of programmes.
Charles notably presented the gladiator-style game show Robot Wars and narrated the comedy endurance show Takeshi's Castle. His acting credits include playing inmate Eugene Buffy in the ITV drama The Governor, and leading roles in the British films Fated and Clubbing to Death. He has toured the UK extensively as a stand-up comedian.
Charles has hosted The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on BBC radio since 2002, and performs DJ sets at numerous clubs and festivals, nationally and internationally. In September 2015, he left Coronation Street after ten years, to film new episodes of Red Dwarf.
Contents
1 Early life
2 Early career
3 Television career
3.1 Performance poetry
3.2 Red Dwarf
3.3 Robot Wars
3.4 Takeshi's Castle
3.5 Coronation Street
3.6 Other acting roles
3.7 Other presenting roles
3.8 Other appearances
4 Radio
5 Music
6 Stand-up comedy and theatre
7 Film roles
8 Writing
9 Personal life
9.1 Relationships
9.2 Legal issues and acquittal
9.3 Drug use
10 Credits
10.1 Filmography
10.2 Radio
11 Bibliography
11.1 Published
11.2 Unpublished
Early life
Charles was born in Liverpool to a Guyanese father[1] and Irish mother.[2][3] He grew up on the Cantril Farm housing estate[4] with his older brother, Dean (who died in 2014), and younger brother, Emile. He attended West Derby Comprehensive School followed by Childwall Hall College of Further Education, studying A-levels in History, Government and Politics, English Literature and General Studies.[5] Charles won a national competition, run by The Guardian newspaper, for a poem he wrote when he was 12 years old.[6] On leaving school Charles spent time working in a studio at Central Hall, Renshaw Street, Liverpool. Despite his origins, his eloquence in conversation and in his poetry (which he shared with colleagues) was something new at the time. With his gradual flowering as a poet emerged a certain boldness and self-confidence.
Early career
Charles began his career as a contemporary and urban performance poet on the British cabaret circuit. His performances were considered original, with Charles described as having a natural ironic wit which appealed to talent scouts. In 1981 Charles climbed on stage at a Teardrop Explodes concert and recited a humorous, but derogatory, poem about the band's singer. He was invited to open subsequent gigs for the group and went on to perform as a support act in pubs and clubs for the following three years,[7] and at events such as the Larks in the Park music festival at Sefton Park (1982). He performed poetry at Liverpool's Everyman Theatre (1983) with such poets as Roger McGough and Adrian Henri.
Charles was involved in the Liverpool music scene, writing and singing lyrics for a number of local rock bands.[8] In 1980, he played keyboards, bass and provided voice in the rock band Watt 4.[9] He performed his political rap lyrics as a 'Wordsmith'. In 1983, Charles was invited to record a session on the John Peel BBC Radio show, performing his poems backed by a band. This was his first professional engagement.[10] He recorded a further Peel Session in 1984.[11]
Charles realised he was using poetry as a vehicle for his sense of humour and progressed into stand-up comedy. He was part of the Red Wedge comedy tour in 1986, which aimed to raise awareness of the social problems of the time, in support of the Labour Party. He also performed his first one-man show in 1986,[12] which premiered in Edinburgh, and then toured internationally.[13] Charles was a guest on programmes including Janice Long's Radio 1 show,[14] and was a regular panellist on Ned Sherrin's chat show Loose Ends (1987–88) on BBC Radio 4.[15]
Television career
Performance poetry
Charles first appeared on television as the resident poet on the arts programme Riverside on BBC2 and on the day-time BBC1 chat show Pebble Mill at One.[16] Charles was the resident poet on the Channel 4 programme Black on Black (1985)[17] and its entertainment-based successor Club Mix (1986), and he appeared, weekly, as a John Cooper Clarke-style 'punk poet' on the BBC Two pop music programme Oxford Road Show (ORS). Charles performed his political poems as stand-up comedy on the late-night show Saturday Live (1985–87) and on the prime-time BBC One chat show Wogan (1986–87), where he performed a topical poem in a weekly feature. He also appeared as a guest on shows including Open Air (1988). Charles included significant acting in his performance style, enabling him to put the emotion across.[18] In September 2015, Charles performed his “epic” poem Scary Fairy and the Tales of the Dark Wood live with the BBC Philharmonic orchestra, in a concert to be broadcast on BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night at Halloween.
Red Dwarf
Craig Charles in 2009
Charles acquired cult status in 1988, in his first television acting role, as the Liverpudlian slob Dave Lister, in BBC2's science fiction comedy series Red Dwarf. Charles has played this role in all eight series, until 1999, and in the 2009 three-part special, Red Dwarf: Back to Earth and Red Dwarf X (2012), for channel Dave.[19] Charles' younger brother, Emile Charles, guest-starred in the series III episode "Timeslides", and the songs "Bad News" and "Cash" in this episode were written by Charles, and performed by his band.[20] The role has involved Charles playing a variety of alternative characters, including a gangster, a cowboy and angelic and evil versions of Lister,[21] and in him carrying out a wide range of stunts, and acting involving special effects. All series, except VII and IX, were recorded in front of a studio audience. Along with Danny John-Jules, Charles is one of only two cast members to appear in every episode of Red Dwarf to date.
Charles reads the audiobook editions of the Red Dwarf novel Last Human, and his book The Log: A Dwarfer's Guide to Everything, and he regularly attends sci-fi, comedy and memorabilia conventions in connection with the Red Dwarf franchise. During Back to Earth, Charles' character, Lister, visits the set of Coronation Street where he meets the actor Craig Charles.[22] On 2 May 2015, Grant Naylor announced that an eleventh and a twelfth series of Red Dwarf had been commissioned with Craig Charles returning as Lister.[23]
Robot Wars
Charles notably presented the cult TV hit Robot Wars on BBC2 (1998–2003) and Channel 5 (2003–04), from series 2 until its conclusion at series 7, which included two Extreme series and numerous 'specials'. Charles was the main host and presided over the arena in which teams of amateur engineers battled their home-made radio-controlled robots against each other, and against the house robots. Charles introduced the show, enthusiastically announced the results of the battles and spoke to the contestants after the main events. He ended each episode with a short Robot Wars-themed poem. Charles' son, Jack, appeared on the show on several occasions, and was a contestant on "Team Nemesis" during series 4. Charles also hosted the Robot Wars Live UK tour, in 2001 and shows performed at the Wembley Arena. On 13 January 2016, The BBC announced that the show would be rebooted with 6 episodes in the year. On 14 January 2016, Charles posted a tweet on his Twitter page saying that he would love to present the new series, however he received no reply from the BBC. On 3 February 2016, Dara Ó Briain was announced as Charles' replacement as the presenter. The BBC also stated that they had denied Charles' request to reprise his role by stating that they don't comment on individual casting enquiries.
Takeshi's Castle
Charles provided the English voice-over commentary for the Challenge and Ftn (2002–04) rebroadcast of the popular game show Takeshi's Castle originally by Tokyo Broadcasting System in Japan. In each episode, between 100 and 142 contestants attempted to pass a series of wacky and near-impossible physical challenges to reach the Show Down at the castle against a Japanese actor Takeshi Kitano for a chance to win large cash prizes. Charles co-wrote the programme and commentated throughout all 122 episodes of the four series, and also some special and "best of" episodes. He provided comedy insights into the contestants' abilities, which were designed to appeal to adult audiences, as well as younger viewers - and also coined the term "Keshi Heads" to describe fans of the show.
Charles' commentary was so well received that the reboot featuring Dick and Dom on the voice-overs did not fare as well because he wasn't there, according to complaints that Challenge received via social media. To this day, the Challenge rebroadcasts of Takeshi's Castle regularly place in the weekly top 10 for ratings with an average of 130,000 viewers per episode.
Coronation Street
In 2005, Charles joined the main cast of Coronation Street,[24] playing philandering taxicab driver, Lloyd Mullaney.[25] Charles introduced aspects of the character himself, making Lloyd a Northern Soul DJ and record collector, and funk music enthusiast. Charles has chosen funk and soul songs playing as backing tracks during scenes,[26] and posters for The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club and Red Dwarf have appeared in the background.
Charles portrayed Lloyd as tough, but kind hearted and romantic, and the character was popular with viewers. Charles added a comedy element to the role, but was also involved in traumatic and emotional scenes with intricate storylines. In 2010, his character was involved in the show's dramatic 50th anniversary tram crash storyline, which was broadcast live. Charles presented documentaries for the show, including 50 Years of Corrie Stunts (2010), which is included on the Tram Crash DVD. In November 2011, Charles took time off from Coronation Street to film a new series of Red Dwarf, returning in April 2012.[27] In February 2014 an online mini-series, Steve & Lloyd's Streetcar Stories, ran alongside the television show's storyline.[28]
In May 2015, Craig announced he would be leaving Coronation Street for Red Dwarf. [29] Lloyd left in a red Cadillac during the live episode on 23 September, although his final pre-recorded farewell scenes with Steve were shown during the following episode.
Other acting roles
Charles has acted in episodes of popular dramas such as The Bill (1995), EastEnders (2002) and Holby City (2003) and in the comedy The 10 Percenters (1996). Charles played the emotionally disturbed and violent prisoner, Eugene Buffy, in the highly successful Lynda La Plante drama series The Governor (1996); the title role in the Channel 4 pirate sitcom Captain Butler (1997); the warden of a women's prison in the Canadian sci-fi fantasy Lexx (2001);[30] Detective Chief Inspector Mercer in seven episodes of the BBC soap opera Doctors (2003); and soccer agent, Joel Brooks, in the Sky TV football soap Dream Team (2004).
Other presenting roles
Charles has presented children's television programmes, including What's That Noise? (1989) and Parallel 9 (1992) on BBC1 and Go Getters (1994) on ITV. He was the travelling reporter for the highly acclaimed, but controversial, BBC 'mockumentary' Ghostwatch, which tricked viewers into believing it was a live investigation into ghost sightings in a suburban home on Halloween night (1992). Charles presented the virtual reality game show Cyberzone (1993) on BBC2; the late-night entertainment show Funky Bunker (1997) on ITV; the reality show Jailbreak (2000) on Channel 5; the discussion show Amazing Space: The Pub Guide to the Universe (2001) on National Geographic; and the late-night current affairs chat show Weapons of Mass Distraction (2004) on ITV.
Other appearances
Charles has appeared on celebrity editions of University Challenge (1998), Can't Cook, Won't Cook (1998), The Weakest Link (2004), The Chase (2012) and Pointless (2013), and comedy panel shows such as Have I Got News for You (1995), Just a Minute (1995) and They Think It's All Over (1996) and Keith Lemon’s Through the Keyhole (2014). He was a team captain on the sci-fi quiz series Space Cadets (1997) on Channel 4, which guest starred William Shatner. Charles has opened the National Lottery draw (1997) and his home has featured on Through the Keyhole. Charles was a contestant in the Celebrity Poker Club tournament (2004) on Challenge, where he reached the semi-finals, and in the Channel 4 reality game show, The Games (2005), which documented the contestants' intensive training regime and each live Olympic Games-style sporting event.
From 16 November 2014, Charles took part in the fourteenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.[31] However, on 20 November, Charles left the series soon after learning of his brother Dean's death from a heart attack.[32]
Radio
As well as his early appearances on shows such as Radio 4's Loose Ends (1987–88), and Kaleidoscope, in the early 1990s, Charles could be heard on the London Radio Station Kiss 100 (Kiss FM) as the Breakfast show presenter. In 1995, Charles played the Porter in Steven Berkoff's adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, on Radio 4.
Since 2002, Charles has been a DJ on BBC Radio 6 Music presenting The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, where he plays a diverse range of funk and soul music, from classic tracks to the latest releases, and provides publicity for less familiar bands. Charles explains the context for the music and carries out interviews with guest musicians. He was with the station at its launch, and while it was being tested during the previous year, under the name Network Y. Charles has also hosted the station’s Breakfast Show (2004), and sits in for other presenters including Andrew Collins, Phil Wilding and Phill Jupitus and Radcliffe & Maconie.
From January until November 2014, Charles also broadcast the Funk and Soul Show live on BBC Radio 2, immediately after his 6 Music show. He regularly sits in for Janice Long, Steve Wright and Jo Whiley, and has presented numerous programmes on the station, including The Craig Charles Soul All-Nighter (2011), which he hosted continuously for 12 hours,[33] and the Beatleland (2012) documentary on The Beatles. Charles has also chosen music as a guest of other broadcasters such as Ken Bruce on Radio 2 and Liz Kershaw on 6 Music. Charles covered for Graham Norton on Radio 2's Saturday mid-morning show during Norton's 10-week 2015 summer break. From 16th April 2016, Charles presents the house party on BBC Radio 2.
Music
Charles has been involved in the music industry through much of his career. His bands have included Watt 4 (1980), in which he played keyboards and sang, Craig Charles and the Beat Burglars (1989), The Sons of Gordon Gekko (1989), where he wrote lyrics and also composed tunes and The Eye (2000–02), with whom he recorded the rock album "Giving You The Eye, Live at the Edinburgh Festival". Charles plays guitar and piano.
In 1987, Charles provided the poem track used for the opening credits of the BBC series The Marksman (in which he also acted), which is included on the album "The Marksman: Music from the BBC TV series". Charles wrote lyrics for Suzanne Rhatigan's album To Hell With Love (1992). In 1993, Charles was signed to the Acid Jazz record label.[34]
In 2009, Charles formed the Fantasy Funk Band from the leading British musicians in the genre, and has presented the band at festivals, including Glastonbury and the BBC's Proms in the Park. As a continuation of his 6 Music show, Charles regularly takes the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club to varied venues across the UK and abroad, and to the major UK music festivals. He performs live DJ sets, occasionally comperes and curates events, including his own Craig Charles Fantasy Weekender, and has broadcast the radio show live from festival locations.
In 2012, Charles released the compilation album The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club, on CD and as a digital download, as part of a three-album deal[35] with Freestyle Records.[36] The second volume was released in the same format in 2013, and the third in 2014. He followed these with a Craig Charles Funk and Soul Classics album of 3 CDs in 2015.
Stand-up comedy and theatre
Charles returned to stand-up comedy between 1995[37] and 2001, regularly touring his one-man adult-rated shows nationally and releasing the videos Craig Charles: Live on Earth! (1995), Live Official Bootleg (1996) and Sickbag (2000). International performances included the Great Norwegian Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Charles appeared in the John Godber comedy play Teechers, in which he swapped in and out of various roles, at the Arts Theatre, London, and at the Edinburgh Festival (1989), and he played Idle Jack in the pantomime Dick Whittington, at the Hull New Theatre (1997).[38] In 2000, he performed the show Craig Charles and His Band at the Edinburgh Festival.[39]
Charles has a regular slot at Butlins Minehead House Of Fun Weekend every november for 3 nights, of DJ'ing, Comedy and singing.[40]
Film roles
Charles played Eddie in the 1987 political drama Business as Usual. In 2006, Charles starred in two British feature films: the fantasy film Fated and the gangster film Clubbing to Death. Charles voiced Zipper the Cat in the animation Prince Cinders (1993) and Asterix in Asterix Conquers America (1994). Roles in short films include playing Keith Dennis in the comedy The Colour of Funny (1999) and Mark in the drama Ten Minutes (2004).
Writing
In 1993, Charles worked with Russell Bell on the Craig Charles Almanac of Total Knowledge, writing about his 'streetwise' sense of humour on a range of topics, from the world's most embarrassing stories to how to explain the mysteries of the universe. In 1997, Charles and Bell wrote Charles' Red Dwarf character's book The Log, in which Lister decides to leave a log detailing mankind's greatest achievements. In 1998, Charles published No Other Blue, a collection of his poetry, with illustrations by Philippa Drakeford, on diverse personal subjects including prison, his mother's final illness, love and politics at home and abroad. More recently he has written a series of nursery rhymes titled "Scary Fairy and the Tales of the Dark Wood".
In 2000, Charles wrote his first autobiography about his experiences growing up in Liverpool, titled No Irish, No Niggers. In 2007, he announced he would release his autobiography, planned for March 2008, published by Hodder Headline and titled On the Rocks, which would cover the recent incidents in his life and be based on much of his journal, which Charles said he kept while in rehab.[41]
Charles has been involved in journalism and has had a column in Time Out magazine. In 1994, he launched a single issue of Comedy magazine with articles dedicated to the comedy circuit. In 2005 and 2006, Charles was a monthly columnist for the Liverpool Echo newspaper. His television writing credits include The Easter Stories (1994), Funky Bunker (1997) and Takeshi's Castle (2002).
Personal life
Relationships
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In 1984, Charles married English actress Cathy Tyson. Their son, Jack, was born in 1988. The couple divorced in 1989.
In the early 1990s, Charles dated Irish singer-songwriter Suzanne Rhatigan, co-writing lyrics for her album To Hell With Love and directing a video for her. Rhatigan appeared with Charles in the Red Dwarf series IV episode "Camille".
In 1999, Charles married his second wife, Jackie, with whom he has two daughters, Anna-Jo (born 1997) and Nellie (born 2003).
Legal issues and acquittal
In July 1994, Charles and a friend were arrested and remanded in custody for several months on a rape charge.[42] In March 1995, both men were acquitted in their trial. After being cleared, Charles spoke of the need to restore anonymity for those accused of rape. He stated that "the fact that my name and address along with my picture can appear on the front of the papers before the so-called 'victim' has even signed a statement proves that anonymity for rape defendants is a must and that the law must be changed."[43] While in prison, Charles was attacked by a man wielding a knife.[44]
Drug use[edit]
In June 2006, newspaper allegations of crack cocaine use resulted in Charles being suspended from both Coronation Street[45] and BBC Radio 6 Music. In August, Charles was arrested and released on bail pending further enquiries, and in September he accepted a caution for possession of a Class A drug.[46] Charles returned to hosting his 6 Music show from November 2006 and filming Coronation Street from January 2007.
Credits[edit]
[47]
Filmography[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
(early 1980s) Riverside Resident poet Arts review programme
(early 1980s) Pebble Mill at One Resident poet Daily magazine show. Performed in front of Princess Anne
1984 Lift Off Himself – interviewee Documentary
1985 Black on Black Resident poet Channel 4's first multicultural programme. Including the poem "Halt"
1985–87 Saturday Live Himself – stand up Live poetry stand-up comedy. Series 1: VHS (1986), DVD (2007). Series 2: VHS (1987), DVD (2008)
1986–87 Wogan Himself – poet Chat show. Co-hosted and performed weekly topical poem on current affairs
1986 Club Mix Resident poet Entertainment-based successor to Black on Black
1986 Red Wedge Himself Stand-up comedy tour
1986 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Himself – poet August
1987 Business as Usual Eddie Drama feature film. VHS (1988)
1987 Craig Charles Himself – stand up Poetry at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 7–29 August
1987 Video View Himself – presenter TV series
1987 Night Network Himself – presenter
1987 The Marksman McFadden TV drama miniseries, wrote opening poem and played a murderer, aired December
1988–99, 2009, 2012, 2016- Red Dwarf Dave Lister Appeared in all 61 episodes over 10 series
1988 Open Air Himself – interviewee Aired 23 February
1988 Craig Goes Mad in Melbourne Himself – host Behind the scenes at the International Comedy Festival, 1–11 June
1988 TOR! Total Football Himself – presenter Introducing highlights in official film of European Football Championships
1989 Daytime Live Himself – interviewee Aired 6 January
1989 Teechers Multiple characters John Godber stage play
1989 Star Test: Craig Charles Himself – interviewee Interviewed by a computer on chat show, aired 18 April
1989 Dogs of War Voiceover 3D computer video game. Voiced story speech and one character
1989 What's That Noise? Himself – host Children's music show
1991 Comic Relief Dave Lister Short television film
1991 Them and Us Himself – host Consumer rights series
1991 You Bet Himself – contestant Celebrity game show
1992 The Last Cigarette Himself Encouraging giving up smoking, aired 8 March
1992 Open to Question Himself – interviewee Audience questions from young people on topical issues, 23 March
1992 Parallel 9 Himself Children's magazine show. Including episode 1.13, aired 18 July
1992 Weather Watch Himself – presenter Educational TV series investigating different aspect of the weather
1992 Wogan Himself Chat show, 23 October
1992 Ghostwatch Himself – reporter Drama, aired 31 October (Halloween). DVD (2002)
1993 That's Showbusiness Himself - contestant Quiz show, BBC1, aired 2 February
1993 Cyberzone Himself – host All 10 episodes of the world's first virtual reality game show
1993 Cyberpunks and Technophobes Himself TV series
1993 A Word in Your Ear Himself - contestant Game show, BBC1
1993 Super Mario All Stars Himself – presenter Nintendo video game on VHS
1993 Dinosaurs: The Myths & The Reality Himself – narrator Animated documentary. VHS (1993), DVD (2006)
1993 Prince Cinders Zipper the Cat Voice of character in animated film of Babette Cole's book. VHS (1993), DVD (2007)
1993 Telly Addicts Himself – contestant Aired 13 September and 29 December
1993 Pebble Mill Himself – interviewee Performed song, 29 October
1993 Funny Stories Himself – voice Audiobook anthology of stories for children
1993 The Big Breakfast Himself – guest presenter Magazine show
1994 Go Getters Himself – host Children's programme
1994 The Easter Stories Judas Iscariot Drama series. Episode: "Judas' Tale"
1994 Batchelors Mushy Peas Himself – voiceover TV Commercial
1994 Asterix Conquers America Asterix (voice) Animated feature film, English language version
1994 The Word Himself – interviewee Late night magazine show
1994 Red Dwarf: Smeg Ups Dave Lister Video release (archive footage)
1994 Big Break in Wonderland Himself – contestant Charity Christmas special of snooker competition, aired 27 December
1995 Red Dwarf: Smeg Outs Dave Lister Video release (new and archive footage)
1995 Breakfast with Frost Himself – guest Chat show with Sir David Frost, 5 March
1995 May the 4 Be With You Himself – presenter "Starburst Vol.2" VHS (1996)
1995 Craig Charles: Live on Earth! Himself – stand up VHS video release of live stand-up comedy stage show. Also co-producer
1995 Just a Minute Himself – contestant TV version of radio panel game, 21 July
1995 Beam Me Up Scotty! Himself – presenter Aired 26 August
1995 The Bill Martin Bailey Episode: "Honey Pot", 31 October
1995 Have I Got News for You Himself – contestant Guest panelist on satire quiz show. Series 10, episode 7, 8 December
1996 Craig Charles Live Official Bootleg Himself VHS video documentary of stand-up show
1996 They Think it's All Over Himself – contestant Series 2, episode 3, aired 26 March
1996 The Governor Eugene Buffy Drama from Lynda La Plante. All 6 episodes of series 2. DVD (2012)
1996 Cyberspace Himself – narrator TV series
1996 The 10 Percenters Bobby Titan Episode: "Revenge" playing a rap singer
1997 The Big Breakfast Himself – guest Aired 6 January
1997 Night Fever Himself – contestant Pop music quiz including singing
1997 Captain Butler Captain Butler All 6 episodes
1997 Bully: Ha Bloody Ha Himself – interviewee Educational show discussing celebrities' memories of school bullies, aired 28 August
1997 Pulling Power Himself – guest Motoring show, aired 24 September
1997 Space Cadets Team captain Comedy sci-fi quiz, all 10 episodes
1997 Funky Bunker Himself – host Late night chat show. 13 episodes. Also co-writer
1997 The National Lottery Live Himself – presenter Opened the draw, 5 November
1997 English Express Language Skills Himself – presenter Schools education series
1997–98 Dick Whittington and his Wonderful Cat Idle Jack Pantomime stage play
1998 Can't Smeg, Won't Smeg Dave Lister – contestant Special edition of Can't Cook, Won't Cook, aired 14 February
1998 Universe Challenge Himself – contestant Special Red Dwarf edition of University Challenge, aired 14 February
1998 Children in Need Dave Lister Red Dwarf short episode
1998 The Selfish Crocodile Narrator Audiobook edition of children's book
1998 Fully Booked Himself – interviewee Magazine show
1998–2004 Robot Wars Himself – host Series 2–7 (after replacing Jeremy Clarkson)
1999–2000 Ripley's Believe It or Not! Himself – host UK presenter
1999 The Colour of Funny Keith Dennis Short comedy film
2000 Craig Charles: Sickbag Himself VHS video release of live stand-up comedy show
2000 Craig Charles and His Band Himself Edinburgh Festival, August. Recording album Giving You The Eye
2000 Jailbreak Himself – host Reality challenge show
2001 Top Ten TV Sci-Fi Himself – interviewee Documentary
2001 Porridge Selection Box Himself Worldwide VHS video release. Introduced clips
2001 Lexx The Warden Canadian sci-fi series. Episode: "P4X" Hattie Hayridge from Red Dwarf as his wife. Series 4, Vol.1 DVD (2001)
2001 Don't Walk Narrator (voice) Short film
2001 Amazing Space: The Pub Guide to the Universe Himself – host Discussion series with guest experts on space related topics
2002 EastEnders: Ricky and Bianca Vince EastEnders spin-off drama, aired 20 May
2002 The Saturday Show Himself – interviewee Magazine show, 1 June
2002–04 Takeshi's Castle Himself – commentator UK voiceover of Japanese comedy challenge show. Also co-writer
2003 The Sitcom Story Himself TV documentary
2003 Sushi TV Himself – narrator UK version of Japanese TV clip show (after replacing Julian Clary)
2003 Doctors DCI Mercer 7 episodes of soap opera
2003 Monstrous Bosses Himself – presenter Links between clips in a battle between two comedy characters, 10–11 May
2003 Lovable Rogues Himself – presenter Links between clips, aired 3 August
2003 Holby City Adrian Summers Episode: "Full Circle", aired 16 December
2004 Ten Minutes Mark Short comedy film, launched at the BAFTA and Cannes Film Festival in 2003. Film release July 2004
2004 Britain's Best Sitcom Himself TV documentary
2004 Weapons of Mass Distraction Himself – presenter Satirical comedy chat show exploring tabloid newspaper world
2004 Celebrities Disfigured Himself (disguised) Documentary exploring attitudes to disfigurement, aired 17 April
2004 The Weakest Link Himself – contestant Charity edition of quiz show. "Stars of the '90s". Reached 3rd place, aired 4 August
2004 Comedy Connections Himself – interviewee Documentary episode on Red Dwarf, aired 30 August
2004 Public Opinion Himself – interviewee Panel show, opinions on celebrities from members of the public, aired 21 September
2004 Celebrity Poker Club Himself – contestant Challenge, series 3, reached semi-finals
2004 Dream Team Joel Brooks Soccer agent in Sky TV football drama
2005 Forty Years of Fuck Himself – interviewee BBC documentary examining swearing on TV
2005 The Games Himself – contestant Reality game show for charity, based on the Olympic Games. Series 3.
2005 Athletes in Training Himself – contestant Live feed, following The Games contestants through their intensive training regime
2005–15 Coronation Street Lloyd Mullaney Principal cast in soap opera, first appearance 20 June 2005
2006 Fated Pedro Feature film. DVD (2011)
2006 Clubbing to Death Carl Begsley Feature film. Not yet released (in post production)
2008–present The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club Himself – DJ Live DJ performances throughout the UK, and occasionally abroad
2009 Carpool Himself – interviewee Video-podcast interview by Robert Llewellyn of Red Dwarf
2010 UK Festival Awards Himself Hosted award ceremony at The IndigO2, London, 18 November
2010 Robert Llewellyn's Carpool Himself – interviewee Chat show. Episode 1.5: aired 2 December
2010 50 Years of Corrie Stunts Himself – voiceover Coronation Street documentary, aired 6 December. On Tram Crash DVD (2010)
2011 Zombie Carnage Frank Promotional trailer for feature film
2011 Cast Mates Himself Coronation Street online Q&A, 31 August
2011 This Morning Himself – Interviewee Daytime entertainment show, 6 September
2012 BBC Breakfast Himself – interviewee News programme, 10 March
2012 Loose Women Himself – interviewee Chat show, 15 March
2012 Motorbike Diaries: Mad in the Med Himself – narrator Travel documentary series from Danny John-Jules of Red Dwarf
2012 Evidently... John Cooper Clarke Himself – interviewee Documentary on the poet John Cooper Clarke’s life and career, aired 30 May
2012 This Morning Himself – interviewee Chat show, 6 July
2012 Loose Women Himself – interviewee Chat show, 25 September
2012 The Alan Titchmarsh Show Himself – interviewee Chat show, 28 September
2012 We're Smegged Himself – interviewee Documentary on the making of Red Dwarf X. On series X DVD, released 19 November
2012 This Morning Himself – interviewee Chat show, 19 November
2012 The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club Music compiler Compilation album, released on Freestyle Records as CD and digital download, 26 November
2012 The Chase Himself - contestant Celebrity edition of quiz show for 'Text Santa' charity appeal, ITV1, 21 December
2013 Glastonbury Festival Himself - presenter Introduced acts (also interviewed musicians and performed DJ set), BBC Four, 28–30 June
2013 Proms in the Park Himself Presented the Fantasy Funk Band at the BBC Proms, Hyde Park, London, 7 September
2013 Pointless Celebrities Himself – contestant Charity edition of quiz show, with Danny John-Jules from Red Dwarf, BBC1, aired 17 August
2013 Craig Charles Fantasy Weekender Himself Funk and soul music festival, Bristol, 24–26 August
2013 This Morning Himself 'Take a Moment' appeal, ITV1, 25 September
2013 Surprise, Surprise Himself With Simon Gregson and Sue Cleaver of Coronation Street, ITV1, 27 October
2013 The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club 2 Music compiler Compilation album, Freestyle records, released 25 November
2014 Steve & Lloyd's Streetcar Stories Lloyd Mullaney Coronation Street mini-series, online, 3–12 February
2014 BBC Radio 6 Music Festival Himself Introduced acts, presented radio, DJ set, poetry performance at Festival Fringe, 1 March
2014 Lorraine Himself - interviewee Chat show, ITV1, 28 April
2014 I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here Himself - contestant Game show, withdrew on day 4 due to personal reasons
2014 ’’Keith Lemon’s Through the Keyhole’’ Himself - panellist ITV1 game show
2014 The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club 3 Music compiler Compilation album, Freestyle records, released 24 November
2015 Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club Classics Music compiler Compilation album box set, Sony Music, released 18 September
2015 Witches, Wizards and Scary Fairies Narrator Live performance of Scary Fairy poetry with the BBC Philharmonic orchestra, 29 September
2015 BBC Breakfast Himself - interviewee BBC One news programme, 17 September
2015 The One Show Himself - interviewee BBC One chat show, 30 September
Radio[edit]
Year Programme Role Notes
1983 John Peel Show Himself – guest Recorded 6 poems during "Peel Session", aired 17 March
1984 John Peel Show Himself – guest Radio. Recorded 3 song, aired 14 February
1987–89 Loose Ends Himself – panelist Regular guest on Ned Sherrin's chat show
1989 The Steve Jones Show Himself – interviewee 16 March
1992–93 The Craig Charles Breakfast Show Himself – host Radio show
1995 Macbeth The Porter Steven Berkoff's Macbeth, aired 28 December
2002–present The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show Himself – host First broadcast 15 March 2002
2004 Craig Charles Breakfast Show Himself – host
2005 One Nation Under a Groove Himself – presenter Radio 2 documentary. The Story of George Clinton & P-Funk, aired 12 February
2011 The Craig Charles Soul All-nighter Himself – host 27–28 August
2012 Fantasy Funk Band at Maida Vale Himself – presenter Review for BBC Radio 6 Music's 10th anniversary
2012 Beatleland Himself – presenter Documentary on the Beatles in Liverpool, aired 10 October
2013 Didn't It Rain: When the Blues came to Britain Himself - narrator Music history documentary, BBC Radio 2, aired 24 October
2015 Sarah and Dan’s Extra Edition Himself - interviewee BBC Radio 5 Live, 24 September
2015 Witches, Wizards and Scary Fairies Narrator ”Scary Fairy” poetry performance with the BBC Philharmonic orchestra, BBC Radio 2, airs 30 October 2015
Bibliography
Published
1993, Craig Charles Almanac of Total Knowledge, (with Russell Bell), Penguin Books
1997, The Log: A Dwarfer's Guide to Everything, (with Russell Bell), Penguin Books
1998, No Other Blue, (illustrations by Philippa Drakeford), Penguin Books
Unpublished
2000, No Irish, No Niggers, Penguin Books
2008, On the Rocks, Hodder Headline[48]
Craig Charles
Craig Charles.jpg
Charles in May 2009
Born Craig Joseph Charles
11 July 1964 (age 52)
Liverpool, Lancashire, England
Occupation Actor, television presenter, comedian, author, poet, DJ
Years active 1981–present
Spouse(s) Cathy Tyson
(1984–1989; divorced)
Jackie Fleming
(1999–present)
Children 3
Craig Joseph Charles (born 11 July 1964) is a British actor, comedian, author, poet, television presenter and DJ. He is best known for playing Dave Lister in the science fiction sitcom Red Dwarf and Lloyd Mullaney in the soap opera Coronation Street, and as a funk and soul DJ.
Charles first appeared on television as a performance poet, which led to minor presenting roles. After finding fame in Red Dwarf, he regularly featured on national television with celebrity appearances on many popular shows while he continued to host a wide variety of programmes.
Charles notably presented the gladiator-style game show Robot Wars and narrated the comedy endurance show Takeshi's Castle. His acting credits include playing inmate Eugene Buffy in the ITV drama The Governor, and leading roles in the British films Fated and Clubbing to Death. He has toured the UK extensively as a stand-up comedian.
Charles has hosted The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on BBC radio since 2002, and performs DJ sets at numerous clubs and festivals, nationally and internationally. In September 2015, he left Coronation Street after ten years, to film new episodes of Red Dwarf.
Contents
1 Early life
2 Early career
3 Television career
3.1 Performance poetry
3.2 Red Dwarf
3.3 Robot Wars
3.4 Takeshi's Castle
3.5 Coronation Street
3.6 Other acting roles
3.7 Other presenting roles
3.8 Other appearances
4 Radio
5 Music
6 Stand-up comedy and theatre
7 Film roles
8 Writing
9 Personal life
9.1 Relationships
9.2 Legal issues and acquittal
9.3 Drug use
10 Credits
10.1 Filmography
10.2 Radio
11 Bibliography
11.1 Published
11.2 Unpublished
Early life
Charles was born in Liverpool to a Guyanese father[1] and Irish mother.[2][3] He grew up on the Cantril Farm housing estate[4] with his older brother, Dean (who died in 2014), and younger brother, Emile. He attended West Derby Comprehensive School followed by Childwall Hall College of Further Education, studying A-levels in History, Government and Politics, English Literature and General Studies.[5] Charles won a national competition, run by The Guardian newspaper, for a poem he wrote when he was 12 years old.[6] On leaving school Charles spent time working in a studio at Central Hall, Renshaw Street, Liverpool. Despite his origins, his eloquence in conversation and in his poetry (which he shared with colleagues) was something new at the time. With his gradual flowering as a poet emerged a certain boldness and self-confidence.
Early career
Charles began his career as a contemporary and urban performance poet on the British cabaret circuit. His performances were considered original, with Charles described as having a natural ironic wit which appealed to talent scouts. In 1981 Charles climbed on stage at a Teardrop Explodes concert and recited a humorous, but derogatory, poem about the band's singer. He was invited to open subsequent gigs for the group and went on to perform as a support act in pubs and clubs for the following three years,[7] and at events such as the Larks in the Park music festival at Sefton Park (1982). He performed poetry at Liverpool's Everyman Theatre (1983) with such poets as Roger McGough and Adrian Henri.
Charles was involved in the Liverpool music scene, writing and singing lyrics for a number of local rock bands.[8] In 1980, he played keyboards, bass and provided voice in the rock band Watt 4.[9] He performed his political rap lyrics as a 'Wordsmith'. In 1983, Charles was invited to record a session on the John Peel BBC Radio show, performing his poems backed by a band. This was his first professional engagement.[10] He recorded a further Peel Session in 1984.[11]
Charles realised he was using poetry as a vehicle for his sense of humour and progressed into stand-up comedy. He was part of the Red Wedge comedy tour in 1986, which aimed to raise awareness of the social problems of the time, in support of the Labour Party. He also performed his first one-man show in 1986,[12] which premiered in Edinburgh, and then toured internationally.[13] Charles was a guest on programmes including Janice Long's Radio 1 show,[14] and was a regular panellist on Ned Sherrin's chat show Loose Ends (1987–88) on BBC Radio 4.[15]
Television career
Performance poetry
Charles first appeared on television as the resident poet on the arts programme Riverside on BBC2 and on the day-time BBC1 chat show Pebble Mill at One.[16] Charles was the resident poet on the Channel 4 programme Black on Black (1985)[17] and its entertainment-based successor Club Mix (1986), and he appeared, weekly, as a John Cooper Clarke-style 'punk poet' on the BBC Two pop music programme Oxford Road Show (ORS). Charles performed his political poems as stand-up comedy on the late-night show Saturday Live (1985–87) and on the prime-time BBC One chat show Wogan (1986–87), where he performed a topical poem in a weekly feature. He also appeared as a guest on shows including Open Air (1988). Charles included significant acting in his performance style, enabling him to put the emotion across.[18] In September 2015, Charles performed his “epic” poem Scary Fairy and the Tales of the Dark Wood live with the BBC Philharmonic orchestra, in a concert to be broadcast on BBC Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night at Halloween.
Red Dwarf
Craig Charles in 2009
Charles acquired cult status in 1988, in his first television acting role, as the Liverpudlian slob Dave Lister, in BBC2's science fiction comedy series Red Dwarf. Charles has played this role in all eight series, until 1999, and in the 2009 three-part special, Red Dwarf: Back to Earth and Red Dwarf X (2012), for channel Dave.[19] Charles' younger brother, Emile Charles, guest-starred in the series III episode "Timeslides", and the songs "Bad News" and "Cash" in this episode were written by Charles, and performed by his band.[20] The role has involved Charles playing a variety of alternative characters, including a gangster, a cowboy and angelic and evil versions of Lister,[21] and in him carrying out a wide range of stunts, and acting involving special effects. All series, except VII and IX, were recorded in front of a studio audience. Along with Danny John-Jules, Charles is one of only two cast members to appear in every episode of Red Dwarf to date.
Charles reads the audiobook editions of the Red Dwarf novel Last Human, and his book The Log: A Dwarfer's Guide to Everything, and he regularly attends sci-fi, comedy and memorabilia conventions in connection with the Red Dwarf franchise. During Back to Earth, Charles' character, Lister, visits the set of Coronation Street where he meets the actor Craig Charles.[22] On 2 May 2015, Grant Naylor announced that an eleventh and a twelfth series of Red Dwarf had been commissioned with Craig Charles returning as Lister.[23]
Robot Wars
Charles notably presented the cult TV hit Robot Wars on BBC2 (1998–2003) and Channel 5 (2003–04), from series 2 until its conclusion at series 7, which included two Extreme series and numerous 'specials'. Charles was the main host and presided over the arena in which teams of amateur engineers battled their home-made radio-controlled robots against each other, and against the house robots. Charles introduced the show, enthusiastically announced the results of the battles and spoke to the contestants after the main events. He ended each episode with a short Robot Wars-themed poem. Charles' son, Jack, appeared on the show on several occasions, and was a contestant on "Team Nemesis" during series 4. Charles also hosted the Robot Wars Live UK tour, in 2001 and shows performed at the Wembley Arena. On 13 January 2016, The BBC announced that the show would be rebooted with 6 episodes in the year. On 14 January 2016, Charles posted a tweet on his Twitter page saying that he would love to present the new series, however he received no reply from the BBC. On 3 February 2016, Dara Ó Briain was announced as Charles' replacement as the presenter. The BBC also stated that they had denied Charles' request to reprise his role by stating that they don't comment on individual casting enquiries.
Takeshi's Castle
Charles provided the English voice-over commentary for the Challenge and Ftn (2002–04) rebroadcast of the popular game show Takeshi's Castle originally by Tokyo Broadcasting System in Japan. In each episode, between 100 and 142 contestants attempted to pass a series of wacky and near-impossible physical challenges to reach the Show Down at the castle against a Japanese actor Takeshi Kitano for a chance to win large cash prizes. Charles co-wrote the programme and commentated throughout all 122 episodes of the four series, and also some special and "best of" episodes. He provided comedy insights into the contestants' abilities, which were designed to appeal to adult audiences, as well as younger viewers - and also coined the term "Keshi Heads" to describe fans of the show.
Charles' commentary was so well received that the reboot featuring Dick and Dom on the voice-overs did not fare as well because he wasn't there, according to complaints that Challenge received via social media. To this day, the Challenge rebroadcasts of Takeshi's Castle regularly place in the weekly top 10 for ratings with an average of 130,000 viewers per episode.
Coronation Street
In 2005, Charles joined the main cast of Coronation Street,[24] playing philandering taxicab driver, Lloyd Mullaney.[25] Charles introduced aspects of the character himself, making Lloyd a Northern Soul DJ and record collector, and funk music enthusiast. Charles has chosen funk and soul songs playing as backing tracks during scenes,[26] and posters for The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club and Red Dwarf have appeared in the background.
Charles portrayed Lloyd as tough, but kind hearted and romantic, and the character was popular with viewers. Charles added a comedy element to the role, but was also involved in traumatic and emotional scenes with intricate storylines. In 2010, his character was involved in the show's dramatic 50th anniversary tram crash storyline, which was broadcast live. Charles presented documentaries for the show, including 50 Years of Corrie Stunts (2010), which is included on the Tram Crash DVD. In November 2011, Charles took time off from Coronation Street to film a new series of Red Dwarf, returning in April 2012.[27] In February 2014 an online mini-series, Steve & Lloyd's Streetcar Stories, ran alongside the television show's storyline.[28]
In May 2015, Craig announced he would be leaving Coronation Street for Red Dwarf. [29] Lloyd left in a red Cadillac during the live episode on 23 September, although his final pre-recorded farewell scenes with Steve were shown during the following episode.
Other acting roles
Charles has acted in episodes of popular dramas such as The Bill (1995), EastEnders (2002) and Holby City (2003) and in the comedy The 10 Percenters (1996). Charles played the emotionally disturbed and violent prisoner, Eugene Buffy, in the highly successful Lynda La Plante drama series The Governor (1996); the title role in the Channel 4 pirate sitcom Captain Butler (1997); the warden of a women's prison in the Canadian sci-fi fantasy Lexx (2001);[30] Detective Chief Inspector Mercer in seven episodes of the BBC soap opera Doctors (2003); and soccer agent, Joel Brooks, in the Sky TV football soap Dream Team (2004).
Other presenting roles
Charles has presented children's television programmes, including What's That Noise? (1989) and Parallel 9 (1992) on BBC1 and Go Getters (1994) on ITV. He was the travelling reporter for the highly acclaimed, but controversial, BBC 'mockumentary' Ghostwatch, which tricked viewers into believing it was a live investigation into ghost sightings in a suburban home on Halloween night (1992). Charles presented the virtual reality game show Cyberzone (1993) on BBC2; the late-night entertainment show Funky Bunker (1997) on ITV; the reality show Jailbreak (2000) on Channel 5; the discussion show Amazing Space: The Pub Guide to the Universe (2001) on National Geographic; and the late-night current affairs chat show Weapons of Mass Distraction (2004) on ITV.
Other appearances
Charles has appeared on celebrity editions of University Challenge (1998), Can't Cook, Won't Cook (1998), The Weakest Link (2004), The Chase (2012) and Pointless (2013), and comedy panel shows such as Have I Got News for You (1995), Just a Minute (1995) and They Think It's All Over (1996) and Keith Lemon’s Through the Keyhole (2014). He was a team captain on the sci-fi quiz series Space Cadets (1997) on Channel 4, which guest starred William Shatner. Charles has opened the National Lottery draw (1997) and his home has featured on Through the Keyhole. Charles was a contestant in the Celebrity Poker Club tournament (2004) on Challenge, where he reached the semi-finals, and in the Channel 4 reality game show, The Games (2005), which documented the contestants' intensive training regime and each live Olympic Games-style sporting event.
From 16 November 2014, Charles took part in the fourteenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.[31] However, on 20 November, Charles left the series soon after learning of his brother Dean's death from a heart attack.[32]
Radio
As well as his early appearances on shows such as Radio 4's Loose Ends (1987–88), and Kaleidoscope, in the early 1990s, Charles could be heard on the London Radio Station Kiss 100 (Kiss FM) as the Breakfast show presenter. In 1995, Charles played the Porter in Steven Berkoff's adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, on Radio 4.
Since 2002, Charles has been a DJ on BBC Radio 6 Music presenting The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, where he plays a diverse range of funk and soul music, from classic tracks to the latest releases, and provides publicity for less familiar bands. Charles explains the context for the music and carries out interviews with guest musicians. He was with the station at its launch, and while it was being tested during the previous year, under the name Network Y. Charles has also hosted the station’s Breakfast Show (2004), and sits in for other presenters including Andrew Collins, Phil Wilding and Phill Jupitus and Radcliffe & Maconie.
From January until November 2014, Charles also broadcast the Funk and Soul Show live on BBC Radio 2, immediately after his 6 Music show. He regularly sits in for Janice Long, Steve Wright and Jo Whiley, and has presented numerous programmes on the station, including The Craig Charles Soul All-Nighter (2011), which he hosted continuously for 12 hours,[33] and the Beatleland (2012) documentary on The Beatles. Charles has also chosen music as a guest of other broadcasters such as Ken Bruce on Radio 2 and Liz Kershaw on 6 Music. Charles covered for Graham Norton on Radio 2's Saturday mid-morning show during Norton's 10-week 2015 summer break. From 16th April 2016, Charles presents the house party on BBC Radio 2.
Music
Charles has been involved in the music industry through much of his career. His bands have included Watt 4 (1980), in which he played keyboards and sang, Craig Charles and the Beat Burglars (1989), The Sons of Gordon Gekko (1989), where he wrote lyrics and also composed tunes and The Eye (2000–02), with whom he recorded the rock album "Giving You The Eye, Live at the Edinburgh Festival". Charles plays guitar and piano.
In 1987, Charles provided the poem track used for the opening credits of the BBC series The Marksman (in which he also acted), which is included on the album "The Marksman: Music from the BBC TV series". Charles wrote lyrics for Suzanne Rhatigan's album To Hell With Love (1992). In 1993, Charles was signed to the Acid Jazz record label.[34]
In 2009, Charles formed the Fantasy Funk Band from the leading British musicians in the genre, and has presented the band at festivals, including Glastonbury and the BBC's Proms in the Park. As a continuation of his 6 Music show, Charles regularly takes the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club to varied venues across the UK and abroad, and to the major UK music festivals. He performs live DJ sets, occasionally comperes and curates events, including his own Craig Charles Fantasy Weekender, and has broadcast the radio show live from festival locations.
In 2012, Charles released the compilation album The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club, on CD and as a digital download, as part of a three-album deal[35] with Freestyle Records.[36] The second volume was released in the same format in 2013, and the third in 2014. He followed these with a Craig Charles Funk and Soul Classics album of 3 CDs in 2015.
Stand-up comedy and theatre
Charles returned to stand-up comedy between 1995[37] and 2001, regularly touring his one-man adult-rated shows nationally and releasing the videos Craig Charles: Live on Earth! (1995), Live Official Bootleg (1996) and Sickbag (2000). International performances included the Great Norwegian Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Charles appeared in the John Godber comedy play Teechers, in which he swapped in and out of various roles, at the Arts Theatre, London, and at the Edinburgh Festival (1989), and he played Idle Jack in the pantomime Dick Whittington, at the Hull New Theatre (1997).[38] In 2000, he performed the show Craig Charles and His Band at the Edinburgh Festival.[39]
Charles has a regular slot at Butlins Minehead House Of Fun Weekend every november for 3 nights, of DJ'ing, Comedy and singing.[40]
Film roles
Charles played Eddie in the 1987 political drama Business as Usual. In 2006, Charles starred in two British feature films: the fantasy film Fated and the gangster film Clubbing to Death. Charles voiced Zipper the Cat in the animation Prince Cinders (1993) and Asterix in Asterix Conquers America (1994). Roles in short films include playing Keith Dennis in the comedy The Colour of Funny (1999) and Mark in the drama Ten Minutes (2004).
Writing
In 1993, Charles worked with Russell Bell on the Craig Charles Almanac of Total Knowledge, writing about his 'streetwise' sense of humour on a range of topics, from the world's most embarrassing stories to how to explain the mysteries of the universe. In 1997, Charles and Bell wrote Charles' Red Dwarf character's book The Log, in which Lister decides to leave a log detailing mankind's greatest achievements. In 1998, Charles published No Other Blue, a collection of his poetry, with illustrations by Philippa Drakeford, on diverse personal subjects including prison, his mother's final illness, love and politics at home and abroad. More recently he has written a series of nursery rhymes titled "Scary Fairy and the Tales of the Dark Wood".
In 2000, Charles wrote his first autobiography about his experiences growing up in Liverpool, titled No Irish, No Niggers. In 2007, he announced he would release his autobiography, planned for March 2008, published by Hodder Headline and titled On the Rocks, which would cover the recent incidents in his life and be based on much of his journal, which Charles said he kept while in rehab.[41]
Charles has been involved in journalism and has had a column in Time Out magazine. In 1994, he launched a single issue of Comedy magazine with articles dedicated to the comedy circuit. In 2005 and 2006, Charles was a monthly columnist for the Liverpool Echo newspaper. His television writing credits include The Easter Stories (1994), Funky Bunker (1997) and Takeshi's Castle (2002).
Personal life
Relationships
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In 1984, Charles married English actress Cathy Tyson. Their son, Jack, was born in 1988. The couple divorced in 1989.
In the early 1990s, Charles dated Irish singer-songwriter Suzanne Rhatigan, co-writing lyrics for her album To Hell With Love and directing a video for her. Rhatigan appeared with Charles in the Red Dwarf series IV episode "Camille".
In 1999, Charles married his second wife, Jackie, with whom he has two daughters, Anna-Jo (born 1997) and Nellie (born 2003).
Legal issues and acquittal
In July 1994, Charles and a friend were arrested and remanded in custody for several months on a rape charge.[42] In March 1995, both men were acquitted in their trial. After being cleared, Charles spoke of the need to restore anonymity for those accused of rape. He stated that "the fact that my name and address along with my picture can appear on the front of the papers before the so-called 'victim' has even signed a statement proves that anonymity for rape defendants is a must and that the law must be changed."[43] While in prison, Charles was attacked by a man wielding a knife.[44]
Drug use[edit]
In June 2006, newspaper allegations of crack cocaine use resulted in Charles being suspended from both Coronation Street[45] and BBC Radio 6 Music. In August, Charles was arrested and released on bail pending further enquiries, and in September he accepted a caution for possession of a Class A drug.[46] Charles returned to hosting his 6 Music show from November 2006 and filming Coronation Street from January 2007.
Credits[edit]
[47]
Filmography[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
(early 1980s) Riverside Resident poet Arts review programme
(early 1980s) Pebble Mill at One Resident poet Daily magazine show. Performed in front of Princess Anne
1984 Lift Off Himself – interviewee Documentary
1985 Black on Black Resident poet Channel 4's first multicultural programme. Including the poem "Halt"
1985–87 Saturday Live Himself – stand up Live poetry stand-up comedy. Series 1: VHS (1986), DVD (2007). Series 2: VHS (1987), DVD (2008)
1986–87 Wogan Himself – poet Chat show. Co-hosted and performed weekly topical poem on current affairs
1986 Club Mix Resident poet Entertainment-based successor to Black on Black
1986 Red Wedge Himself Stand-up comedy tour
1986 Edinburgh Festival Fringe Himself – poet August
1987 Business as Usual Eddie Drama feature film. VHS (1988)
1987 Craig Charles Himself – stand up Poetry at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 7–29 August
1987 Video View Himself – presenter TV series
1987 Night Network Himself – presenter
1987 The Marksman McFadden TV drama miniseries, wrote opening poem and played a murderer, aired December
1988–99, 2009, 2012, 2016- Red Dwarf Dave Lister Appeared in all 61 episodes over 10 series
1988 Open Air Himself – interviewee Aired 23 February
1988 Craig Goes Mad in Melbourne Himself – host Behind the scenes at the International Comedy Festival, 1–11 June
1988 TOR! Total Football Himself – presenter Introducing highlights in official film of European Football Championships
1989 Daytime Live Himself – interviewee Aired 6 January
1989 Teechers Multiple characters John Godber stage play
1989 Star Test: Craig Charles Himself – interviewee Interviewed by a computer on chat show, aired 18 April
1989 Dogs of War Voiceover 3D computer video game. Voiced story speech and one character
1989 What's That Noise? Himself – host Children's music show
1991 Comic Relief Dave Lister Short television film
1991 Them and Us Himself – host Consumer rights series
1991 You Bet Himself – contestant Celebrity game show
1992 The Last Cigarette Himself Encouraging giving up smoking, aired 8 March
1992 Open to Question Himself – interviewee Audience questions from young people on topical issues, 23 March
1992 Parallel 9 Himself Children's magazine show. Including episode 1.13, aired 18 July
1992 Weather Watch Himself – presenter Educational TV series investigating different aspect of the weather
1992 Wogan Himself Chat show, 23 October
1992 Ghostwatch Himself – reporter Drama, aired 31 October (Halloween). DVD (2002)
1993 That's Showbusiness Himself - contestant Quiz show, BBC1, aired 2 February
1993 Cyberzone Himself – host All 10 episodes of the world's first virtual reality game show
1993 Cyberpunks and Technophobes Himself TV series
1993 A Word in Your Ear Himself - contestant Game show, BBC1
1993 Super Mario All Stars Himself – presenter Nintendo video game on VHS
1993 Dinosaurs: The Myths & The Reality Himself – narrator Animated documentary. VHS (1993), DVD (2006)
1993 Prince Cinders Zipper the Cat Voice of character in animated film of Babette Cole's book. VHS (1993), DVD (2007)
1993 Telly Addicts Himself – contestant Aired 13 September and 29 December
1993 Pebble Mill Himself – interviewee Performed song, 29 October
1993 Funny Stories Himself – voice Audiobook anthology of stories for children
1993 The Big Breakfast Himself – guest presenter Magazine show
1994 Go Getters Himself – host Children's programme
1994 The Easter Stories Judas Iscariot Drama series. Episode: "Judas' Tale"
1994 Batchelors Mushy Peas Himself – voiceover TV Commercial
1994 Asterix Conquers America Asterix (voice) Animated feature film, English language version
1994 The Word Himself – interviewee Late night magazine show
1994 Red Dwarf: Smeg Ups Dave Lister Video release (archive footage)
1994 Big Break in Wonderland Himself – contestant Charity Christmas special of snooker competition, aired 27 December
1995 Red Dwarf: Smeg Outs Dave Lister Video release (new and archive footage)
1995 Breakfast with Frost Himself – guest Chat show with Sir David Frost, 5 March
1995 May the 4 Be With You Himself – presenter "Starburst Vol.2" VHS (1996)
1995 Craig Charles: Live on Earth! Himself – stand up VHS video release of live stand-up comedy stage show. Also co-producer
1995 Just a Minute Himself – contestant TV version of radio panel game, 21 July
1995 Beam Me Up Scotty! Himself – presenter Aired 26 August
1995 The Bill Martin Bailey Episode: "Honey Pot", 31 October
1995 Have I Got News for You Himself – contestant Guest panelist on satire quiz show. Series 10, episode 7, 8 December
1996 Craig Charles Live Official Bootleg Himself VHS video documentary of stand-up show
1996 They Think it's All Over Himself – contestant Series 2, episode 3, aired 26 March
1996 The Governor Eugene Buffy Drama from Lynda La Plante. All 6 episodes of series 2. DVD (2012)
1996 Cyberspace Himself – narrator TV series
1996 The 10 Percenters Bobby Titan Episode: "Revenge" playing a rap singer
1997 The Big Breakfast Himself – guest Aired 6 January
1997 Night Fever Himself – contestant Pop music quiz including singing
1997 Captain Butler Captain Butler All 6 episodes
1997 Bully: Ha Bloody Ha Himself – interviewee Educational show discussing celebrities' memories of school bullies, aired 28 August
1997 Pulling Power Himself – guest Motoring show, aired 24 September
1997 Space Cadets Team captain Comedy sci-fi quiz, all 10 episodes
1997 Funky Bunker Himself – host Late night chat show. 13 episodes. Also co-writer
1997 The National Lottery Live Himself – presenter Opened the draw, 5 November
1997 English Express Language Skills Himself – presenter Schools education series
1997–98 Dick Whittington and his Wonderful Cat Idle Jack Pantomime stage play
1998 Can't Smeg, Won't Smeg Dave Lister – contestant Special edition of Can't Cook, Won't Cook, aired 14 February
1998 Universe Challenge Himself – contestant Special Red Dwarf edition of University Challenge, aired 14 February
1998 Children in Need Dave Lister Red Dwarf short episode
1998 The Selfish Crocodile Narrator Audiobook edition of children's book
1998 Fully Booked Himself – interviewee Magazine show
1998–2004 Robot Wars Himself – host Series 2–7 (after replacing Jeremy Clarkson)
1999–2000 Ripley's Believe It or Not! Himself – host UK presenter
1999 The Colour of Funny Keith Dennis Short comedy film
2000 Craig Charles: Sickbag Himself VHS video release of live stand-up comedy show
2000 Craig Charles and His Band Himself Edinburgh Festival, August. Recording album Giving You The Eye
2000 Jailbreak Himself – host Reality challenge show
2001 Top Ten TV Sci-Fi Himself – interviewee Documentary
2001 Porridge Selection Box Himself Worldwide VHS video release. Introduced clips
2001 Lexx The Warden Canadian sci-fi series. Episode: "P4X" Hattie Hayridge from Red Dwarf as his wife. Series 4, Vol.1 DVD (2001)
2001 Don't Walk Narrator (voice) Short film
2001 Amazing Space: The Pub Guide to the Universe Himself – host Discussion series with guest experts on space related topics
2002 EastEnders: Ricky and Bianca Vince EastEnders spin-off drama, aired 20 May
2002 The Saturday Show Himself – interviewee Magazine show, 1 June
2002–04 Takeshi's Castle Himself – commentator UK voiceover of Japanese comedy challenge show. Also co-writer
2003 The Sitcom Story Himself TV documentary
2003 Sushi TV Himself – narrator UK version of Japanese TV clip show (after replacing Julian Clary)
2003 Doctors DCI Mercer 7 episodes of soap opera
2003 Monstrous Bosses Himself – presenter Links between clips in a battle between two comedy characters, 10–11 May
2003 Lovable Rogues Himself – presenter Links between clips, aired 3 August
2003 Holby City Adrian Summers Episode: "Full Circle", aired 16 December
2004 Ten Minutes Mark Short comedy film, launched at the BAFTA and Cannes Film Festival in 2003. Film release July 2004
2004 Britain's Best Sitcom Himself TV documentary
2004 Weapons of Mass Distraction Himself – presenter Satirical comedy chat show exploring tabloid newspaper world
2004 Celebrities Disfigured Himself (disguised) Documentary exploring attitudes to disfigurement, aired 17 April
2004 The Weakest Link Himself – contestant Charity edition of quiz show. "Stars of the '90s". Reached 3rd place, aired 4 August
2004 Comedy Connections Himself – interviewee Documentary episode on Red Dwarf, aired 30 August
2004 Public Opinion Himself – interviewee Panel show, opinions on celebrities from members of the public, aired 21 September
2004 Celebrity Poker Club Himself – contestant Challenge, series 3, reached semi-finals
2004 Dream Team Joel Brooks Soccer agent in Sky TV football drama
2005 Forty Years of Fuck Himself – interviewee BBC documentary examining swearing on TV
2005 The Games Himself – contestant Reality game show for charity, based on the Olympic Games. Series 3.
2005 Athletes in Training Himself – contestant Live feed, following The Games contestants through their intensive training regime
2005–15 Coronation Street Lloyd Mullaney Principal cast in soap opera, first appearance 20 June 2005
2006 Fated Pedro Feature film. DVD (2011)
2006 Clubbing to Death Carl Begsley Feature film. Not yet released (in post production)
2008–present The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club Himself – DJ Live DJ performances throughout the UK, and occasionally abroad
2009 Carpool Himself – interviewee Video-podcast interview by Robert Llewellyn of Red Dwarf
2010 UK Festival Awards Himself Hosted award ceremony at The IndigO2, London, 18 November
2010 Robert Llewellyn's Carpool Himself – interviewee Chat show. Episode 1.5: aired 2 December
2010 50 Years of Corrie Stunts Himself – voiceover Coronation Street documentary, aired 6 December. On Tram Crash DVD (2010)
2011 Zombie Carnage Frank Promotional trailer for feature film
2011 Cast Mates Himself Coronation Street online Q&A, 31 August
2011 This Morning Himself – Interviewee Daytime entertainment show, 6 September
2012 BBC Breakfast Himself – interviewee News programme, 10 March
2012 Loose Women Himself – interviewee Chat show, 15 March
2012 Motorbike Diaries: Mad in the Med Himself – narrator Travel documentary series from Danny John-Jules of Red Dwarf
2012 Evidently... John Cooper Clarke Himself – interviewee Documentary on the poet John Cooper Clarke’s life and career, aired 30 May
2012 This Morning Himself – interviewee Chat show, 6 July
2012 Loose Women Himself – interviewee Chat show, 25 September
2012 The Alan Titchmarsh Show Himself – interviewee Chat show, 28 September
2012 We're Smegged Himself – interviewee Documentary on the making of Red Dwarf X. On series X DVD, released 19 November
2012 This Morning Himself – interviewee Chat show, 19 November
2012 The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club Music compiler Compilation album, released on Freestyle Records as CD and digital download, 26 November
2012 The Chase Himself - contestant Celebrity edition of quiz show for 'Text Santa' charity appeal, ITV1, 21 December
2013 Glastonbury Festival Himself - presenter Introduced acts (also interviewed musicians and performed DJ set), BBC Four, 28–30 June
2013 Proms in the Park Himself Presented the Fantasy Funk Band at the BBC Proms, Hyde Park, London, 7 September
2013 Pointless Celebrities Himself – contestant Charity edition of quiz show, with Danny John-Jules from Red Dwarf, BBC1, aired 17 August
2013 Craig Charles Fantasy Weekender Himself Funk and soul music festival, Bristol, 24–26 August
2013 This Morning Himself 'Take a Moment' appeal, ITV1, 25 September
2013 Surprise, Surprise Himself With Simon Gregson and Sue Cleaver of Coronation Street, ITV1, 27 October
2013 The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club 2 Music compiler Compilation album, Freestyle records, released 25 November
2014 Steve & Lloyd's Streetcar Stories Lloyd Mullaney Coronation Street mini-series, online, 3–12 February
2014 BBC Radio 6 Music Festival Himself Introduced acts, presented radio, DJ set, poetry performance at Festival Fringe, 1 March
2014 Lorraine Himself - interviewee Chat show, ITV1, 28 April
2014 I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here Himself - contestant Game show, withdrew on day 4 due to personal reasons
2014 ’’Keith Lemon’s Through the Keyhole’’ Himself - panellist ITV1 game show
2014 The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club 3 Music compiler Compilation album, Freestyle records, released 24 November
2015 Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club Classics Music compiler Compilation album box set, Sony Music, released 18 September
2015 Witches, Wizards and Scary Fairies Narrator Live performance of Scary Fairy poetry with the BBC Philharmonic orchestra, 29 September
2015 BBC Breakfast Himself - interviewee BBC One news programme, 17 September
2015 The One Show Himself - interviewee BBC One chat show, 30 September
Radio[edit]
Year Programme Role Notes
1983 John Peel Show Himself – guest Recorded 6 poems during "Peel Session", aired 17 March
1984 John Peel Show Himself – guest Radio. Recorded 3 song, aired 14 February
1987–89 Loose Ends Himself – panelist Regular guest on Ned Sherrin's chat show
1989 The Steve Jones Show Himself – interviewee 16 March
1992–93 The Craig Charles Breakfast Show Himself – host Radio show
1995 Macbeth The Porter Steven Berkoff's Macbeth, aired 28 December
2002–present The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show Himself – host First broadcast 15 March 2002
2004 Craig Charles Breakfast Show Himself – host
2005 One Nation Under a Groove Himself – presenter Radio 2 documentary. The Story of George Clinton & P-Funk, aired 12 February
2011 The Craig Charles Soul All-nighter Himself – host 27–28 August
2012 Fantasy Funk Band at Maida Vale Himself – presenter Review for BBC Radio 6 Music's 10th anniversary
2012 Beatleland Himself – presenter Documentary on the Beatles in Liverpool, aired 10 October
2013 Didn't It Rain: When the Blues came to Britain Himself - narrator Music history documentary, BBC Radio 2, aired 24 October
2015 Sarah and Dan’s Extra Edition Himself - interviewee BBC Radio 5 Live, 24 September
2015 Witches, Wizards and Scary Fairies Narrator ”Scary Fairy” poetry performance with the BBC Philharmonic orchestra, BBC Radio 2, airs 30 October 2015
Bibliography
Published
1993, Craig Charles Almanac of Total Knowledge, (with Russell Bell), Penguin Books
1997, The Log: A Dwarfer's Guide to Everything, (with Russell Bell), Penguin Books
1998, No Other Blue, (illustrations by Philippa Drakeford), Penguin Books
Unpublished
2000, No Irish, No Niggers, Penguin Books
2008, On the Rocks, Hodder Headline[48]
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