Biography

CRAIG CHARLES (actor; Great Britain)

Guest appearance: Friday 5th April 2024

Craig Charles is an English actor, comedian, DJ, and television and radio presenter. He attended West Derby Comprehensive School followed by Childwall Hall College of Further Education, studying A-levels in History, Government & Politics, English Literature and General Studies. He won a national competition run by The Guardian newspaper for a poem he wrote when he was 12 years old.

Charles began his career as a contemporary and urban performance poet on the British cabaret circuit. Charles realised he was using poetry as a vehicle for his sense of humour and progressed into stand-up comedy.

His first and the best known television acting role was Dave Lister in science fiction comedy series RED DWARF. Charles has appeared in all twelve series as well as RED DWARF: THE PROMISED LAND. Along with Danny John-Jules (Cat), Charles is one of only two cast members to appear in every episode of Red Dwarf to date.

Charles presented ROBOT WARS on BBC2 (1998–2003) and Channel 5 (2003–04), from series 2 until series 7. Charles provided the English voice-over commentary for rebroadcast of the popular game show TAKESHI’S CASTLE.

He voiced Asterix in ASTERIX CONQUERS AMERICA animation film.

Charles has been involved in the music industry through much of his career. Since 18 October 2021, Charles has hosted the weekday afternoon show on BBC Radio 6 Music. In 2023 the weekday show won the Gold Aria award for Best Music Entertainment Show.