Actor Peter Ash started out in his teen years in the small screen hit Footballer's Wives, and following four seasons there, he took roles in other TV favourites including Casualty, The Royal, The Street and Hollyoaks, while also continuing to work in the theatre extensively.
When the National Theatre production of War Horse took to the road on its debut tour, Peter was among the cast.
More recently, he has been on the cobbles in the national institution, Coronation Street. He won numerous awards for his portrayal of Paul Foreman, and his exit from the show involved a storyline about Motor Neurone Disease, which was acclaimed.
Peter is currently starring as Dave Hegarty is Peter James' Picture You Dead.
The show visits Milton Keynes Theatre from May 6- May 10.
Peter answered Total MK's questions...
Tell us about your first memory of the theatre
First memory of theatre is being on stage around six years of age as a rat in Dick Whittington for a local pantomime!
And tell us the moment when you realised the theatre was your calling?
Probably around high school. I had a really great drama teacher who made me realise I could possibly do this acting thing as a real job one day!
Any dreadful calamities, or funny happenings on stage that you would care to share with us?
I've been very lucky in that I haven't really had any dreadful moments or faux pas on stage! The odd fumbling of a line now and then, but that's about it, thankfully!
Which stage actor, living or dead, would you most like to meet, and what question would you ask them?
Probably someone like the legendary Sir Ian McKellen! I'd ask simply what his method is for taking on a role.
Do you have any superstitions, or pre-performance routines?
No pre-show rituals or superstitions. I just make sure I'm warmed up physically and vocally before the curtain goes up!
The best piece of advice given to you when you started in the business?
To always give your all and don't be afraid to try different things!
How do you fill your spare time while on tour?
I like walking around and exploring new towns and cities when I'm on tour.
Nerves or excitement? Which takes over just before the curtain rises?
A bit of both! I find it's quite natural and helpful to have some nerves and excitement, and it gets the adrenaline going!
You have worked extensively in television too; what is your favourite part of each discipline, and why?
With something like Coronation Street, I enjoy working with a variety of actors and directors, there's always something new. Plus you can always do another take if you mess up your lines!
With theatre, I love the longer rehearsal process and the reaction from a live audience is always something special!
We can't let you go without giving you the opportunity to sell the show! What makes Picture You Dead so special, and why should people come to see it at Milton Keynes Theatre?
Peter James' writing is incredible - Picture You Dead is the seventh story to be adapted from one of his books for the stage and fans of DSI Roy Grace will not be disappointed.
It is a thrilling and funny journey into the world of art forgeries with plenty of twists and turns! The character I play is based on a real life ex art forger David Henty who's a fascinating guy - he can copy the masters' brushstrokes.
So talented, and some of his art copies are used on stage. Basically, there's guaranteed shocks and laughs for the audience so come along and see us.
See Peter Ash in Picture You Dead UK tour visits Milton Keynes Theatre 6 - 10 May, for tickets see www.peterjames.com
Pic: L-R George Rainsford (DSI Roy Grace), Peter Ash (David Hegarty) Credit Alistair Muir.
