Hywel Bennett

Born: April 8 1944
Where: Garnent, Carmarthen, Wales, UK

The actor is probably best known for the character of Shelley in the TV series but he has also appeared in a range of films including Virgin Soldiers and Loot.

Bennett made his big screen debut in 1966 in The Family Way and went on to star as Private Brigg in Virgin Soldiers and in the risque British comedy Percy.

Subsequent appearances included Agatha Christie's Endless Night and Alices Adventures in Wonderland as Duckworth.

Switching to TV, he enjoyed regular appearances in Pennies from Heaven and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy before meeting success as the eternal loafer Shelley in the series of the same name.

Further TV work included Absent Friends, Frankie & Johnnie and Artemis 81.

Bennett also appeared in the films Deadline, the drama A Mind to a Kill and as Dr Crippen in Deadly Advice.

In 1998 he starred in the comedy Married 2 Malcolm with Josie Lawrence and played the captain in the Scandinavian drama Misery Harbour.

Roland Joffe cast him alongside Gerard Depardieu in Vatel and he starred alongside Ricky Tomlinson in the comedy Nasty Neighbours.

TV work has ranged from The Sweeney and Murder Most Horrid to regular appearances in The Bill.

Recent feature work includes the low-budget black comedy One for the Road by debut director Chris Cooke.