Skip to content
Surf Wiki
Save to docs
arts

From Surf Wiki (app.surf) — the open knowledge base

Craig Charles

British actor (born 1964)

Craig Charles

British actor (born 1964)

FieldValue
nameCraig Charles
imageCraig Charles (01).jpg
captionCharles in October 2009
birth_nameCraig Joseph Charles
birth_date
birth_placeLiverpool, England
occupation
years_active1981–present
known_forRed Dwarf
Coronation Street
Robot Wars
Takeshi's Castle
spouse{{plainlist
* {{marriageCathy Tyson19841989enddivorced}}
children3

Coronation Street Robot Wars Takeshi's Castle

Craig Joseph Charles (born 11 July 1964) is an English actor, comedian, presenter and DJ. He is best known for his roles as Dave Lister in the science fiction sitcom Red Dwarf and Lloyd Mullaney in the soap opera Coronation Street (2005–2015). He presented the gladiator-style game show Robot Wars from 1998 to 2004, and narrated the comedy endurance show Takeshi's Castle. As a DJ, he appears on BBC Radio 6 Music.

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. From 2017 to 2022, Charles hosted The Gadget Show for Channel 5. 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.

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 of acting, to film new episodes of Red Dwarf and to continue his BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Radio 2 broadcasting.

Early life

Craig Joseph Charles was born in Liverpool on 11 July 1964, the son of a Guyanese father and Irish mother. He grew up on the Cantril Farm housing estate with his older brother, Dean (died 2014), and two other brothers, Jimmy and Emile. 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. Upon leaving school, Charles spent time working in a studio at Central Hall on Renshaw Street in Liverpool.

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, Julian Cope. Charles 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, and at events such as the Larks in the Park music festival at Sefton Park (1982). He performed poetry reading poems by Vladimir Mayakovsky, W. H. Auden and E. E. Cummings, 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. In 1980, he played keyboards, bass and provided voice in the rock band Watt 4. 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. He recorded a further Peel Session in 1984.

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, which premiered in Edinburgh, and then toured internationally. Charles was a guest on programmes including Janice Long's Radio 1 show, and he was a regular panellist on Ned Sherrin's chat show Loose Ends (1987–88) on BBC Radio 4.

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. Charles was the resident poet on the Channel 4 programme Black on Black (1985) and its entertainment-based successor Club Mix (1986), and he appeared, weekly, as a John Cooper Clarke-style 'punk poet' on the BBC2 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 BBC1 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. 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' first television acting role was the Liverpudlian slob Dave Lister in science fiction comedy series Red Dwarf starting in 1988. He was introduced to the show by Saturday Live and Red Dwarf producer Paul Jackson, who wanted his opinion on whether the black character Cat was a racist stereotype. Charles, who like all of the eventual main cast had no acting experience, was eventually offered an audition after begging Jackson.

Charles has appeared in all twelve series, as well as Red Dwarf: The Promised Land (2020). Charles' younger brother, Emile Charles, guest-starred in the third-series episode "Timeslides", and the songs "Bad News" and "Cash" in this episode were written by Charles and performed by his band. The role has involved Charles playing a variety of alternative characters, including a gangster, a cowboy and angelic and evil versions of Lister, and in him carrying out a wide range of stunts, and acting involving special effects. All series, except 7 and 9, were recorded in front of a studio audience. 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 reads the audiobook editions of both 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, Lister visits the set of Coronation Street, where he meets the actor Craig Charles.

''Robot Wars''

Charles presented Robot Wars on BBC2 (1998–2003) and Channel 5 (2003–04), from series 2 until 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.

Robot Wars returned to the BBC in 2016. Charles stated his interest in hosting it again, but the job went to Dara Ó Briain and Angela Scanlon.

''Takeshi's Castle''

Charles provided the English voice-over commentary for the Challenge (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 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 was approached to return for a 2013 reboot, to which he said yes, but he was instead replaced by Dick and Dom, and it was not well received.

''Coronation Street''

In 2005, Charles joined the main cast of Coronation Street, playing a philandering taxicab driver, Lloyd Mullaney. 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, 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. In February 2014 an online mini-series, Steve & Lloyd's Streetcar Stories, ran alongside the television show's storyline.

In May 2015, Craig announced he would be leaving Coronation Street for Red Dwarf, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music. 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); 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! However, on 20 November, Charles left the series soon after learning that his brother Dean had died after suffering a heart attack.

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, on air on Saturday evenings 6 pm to 9 pm, 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, 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 various presenters, and has presented numerous programmes on the station, including The Craig Charles Soul All-Nighter (2011), which he hosted continuously for 12 hours, 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 ten-week 2015 summer break. From 16 April 2016 until 18 June 2022, Charles presented the House Party on Saturday nights on BBC Radio 2, with the show airing between 10 pm and midnight. For eight weeks from April–June 2020, he also presented Craig Charles At Teatime between 4 pm and 7 pm on weekdays on Radio 6 Music. The show was sometimes billed as Craig Charles Weekend Workout on Fridays.

Since 18 October 2021, Charles has hosted the weekday afternoon show on BBC Radio 6 Music (1 pm – 4 pm). The shows include the "Trunk of Punk" and the "Jar of Ska". In 2023 the weekday show won the Gold Aria award for Best Music Entertainment Show.

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.

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 with Freestyle Records. 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 three CDs in 2015.

Stand-up comedy and theatre

Charles returned to stand-up comedy between 1995 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). In 2000, he performed the show Craig Charles and His Band at the Edinburgh Festival.

In 2016 Charles had a slot at Butlins Minehead House Of Fun Weekend every third November for three nights of DJing, Comedy and live bands.

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.

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). He is also involved in music journalism, as he wrote liner notes for the funk and soul music producer Mr. Confuse for his albums Feel The Fire (2008), Do You Realize (2012) and Only A Man (2018) regarding his work as a music presenter for The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on BBC Radio 6 Music.

Personal life

Charles resides in Ashley, Cheshire. He has three children: a son named Jack from his first marriage to actress Cathy Tyson, and two daughters named Anna-Jo and Nellie from his second marriage to Jackie Fleming.

In July 1994, Charles and another man were charged with rape and four counts of indecent assault, following allegations by an associate and ex-girlfriend of Charles. Charles was remanded in custody for three-and-a-half months before being granted bail, during which time he was assaulted by a man wielding a makeshift knife. In March 1995, Charles and his co-accused were acquitted of all charges at trial. After being acquitted, Charles spoke of the need to restore anonymity for those accused of rape. He stated: "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."

Charles has battled drug addiction: he described himself in 2015 as "quite an addictive person", trying to find healthier addictions, of which work was one. In June 2006, newspaper allegations of crack cocaine use resulted in Charles being suspended from both Coronation Street 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. Charles returned to hosting his 6 Music show from November 2006 and filming Coronation Street from January 2007. In a 2015 interview, Charles spoke of his need to remain "vigilant" in abstaining from drugs. In 2020, he said that the newspaper reports were the best thing that could have happened to him, leading him to join Narcotics Anonymous and straighten out his personal life.

Credits

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
(early 1980s)RiversideResident poetArts review programme
Pebble Mill at OneDaily magazine show. Performed in front of Princess Anne
1984Lift OffHimself—intervieweeDocumentary
1985Black on BlackResident poetChannel 4's first multicultural programme. Including the poem "Halt"
1985–1987Saturday LiveHimself—stand upLive poetry stand-up comedy. Series 1: VHS (1986), DVD (2007). Series 2: VHS (1987), DVD (2008)
1986Club MixResident poetEntertainment-based successor to Black on Black
Red WedgeHimselfStand-up comedy tour
Edinburgh Festival FringeHimself—poetAugust
1986–1987WoganChat show. Co-hosted and performed weekly topical poem on current affairs
1987Business as UsualEddieDrama feature film. VHS (1988)
Craig CharlesHimself—stand upPoetry at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 7–29 August
Video ViewHimself—presenterTV series
Night Network
The MarksmanMcFaddenTV drama miniseries, wrote opening poem and played a murderer, aired December
1988Open AirHimself—intervieweeAired 23 February
Craig Goes Mad in MelbourneHimself—hostBehind the scenes at the International Comedy Festival, 1–11 June
TOR! Total FootballHimself—presenterIntroducing highlights in official film of European Football Championships
1988–1999, 2009, 2012, 2016–2020Red DwarfDave ListerAll 74 episodes
1989Daytime LiveHimself—intervieweeAired 6 January
TeechersMultiple charactersJohn Godber stage play
Star Test: Craig CharlesHimself—intervieweeInterviewed by a computer on chat show, aired 18 April
Dogs of WarVoiceover3D computer video game. Voiced story speech and one character
What's That Noise?Himself—hostChildren's music show
1991Comic ReliefDave ListerShort television film
Them and UsHimself—hostConsumer rights series
You Bet!Himself—contestantCelebrity game show
1992The Last CigaretteHimselfEncouraging giving up smoking, aired 8 March
Open to QuestionHimself—intervieweeAudience questions from young people on topical issues, 23 March
Parallel 9HimselfChildren's magazine show. Including episode 1.13, aired 18 July
Weather WatchHimself—presenterEducational TV series investigating different aspect of the weather
WoganHimselfChat show, 23 October
GhostwatchHimself—reporterDrama, aired 31 October (Halloween). DVD (2002)
1993That's ShowbusinessHimself—contestantQuiz show, BBC1, aired 2 February
CyberzoneHimself—hostAll 10 episodes of the world's first virtual reality game show
Cyberpunks and TechnophobesHimselfTV series
A Word in Your EarHimself—contestantGame show, BBC1
Super Mario All StarsHimself—presenterNintendo video game on VHS
Dinosaurs: The Myths & The RealityHimself—narratorAnimated documentary. VHS (1993), DVD (2006)
Prince CindersZipper the CatVoice of character in animated film of Babette Cole's book. VHS (1993), DVD (2007)
Telly AddictsHimself—contestantAired 13 September and 29 December
Pebble MillHimself—intervieweePerformed song, 29 October
Funny StoriesHimself—voiceAudiobook anthology of stories for children
The Big BreakfastHimself—guest presenterMagazine show
1994Go GettersHimself—hostChildren's programme
The Easter StoriesJudas IscariotDrama series. Episode: "Judas' Tale"
Asterix Conquers AmericaAsterix (voice)Animated feature film, English language version
The WordHimself—intervieweeLate night magazine show
Red Dwarf: Smeg UpsDave ListerVideo release (archive footage)
Big Break in WonderlandHimself—contestantCharity Christmas special of snooker competition, aired 27 December
1995Red Dwarf: Smeg OutsDave ListerVideo release (new and archive footage)
Breakfast with FrostHimself—guestChat show with Sir David Frost, 5 March
May the 4 Be with YouHimself—presenter"Starburst Vol. 2" VHS (1996)
Craig Charles: Live on Earth!Himself—stand upVHS video release of live stand-up comedy stage show. Also co-producer
Just a MinuteHimself—contestantTV version of radio panel game, 21 July
Beam Me Up Scotty!Himself—presenterAired 26 August
The BillMartin BaileyEpisode: "Honey Pot", 31 October
Have I Got News for YouHimself—contestantGuest panelist on satire quiz show. Series 10, episode 7, 8 December
1996Craig Charles Live Official BootlegHimselfVHS video documentary of stand-up show
They Think It's All OverHimself—contestantSeries 2, episode 3, aired 26 March
The GovernorEugene BuffyDrama from Lynda La Plante. All 6 episodes of series 2. DVD (2012)
CyberspaceHimself—narratorTV series
The 10 PercentersBobby TitanEpisode: "Revenge" playing a rap singer
1997The Big BreakfastHimself—guestAired 6 January
Night FeverHimself—contestantPop music quiz including singing
Captain ButlerCaptain ButlerAll 6 episodes
Bully: Ha Bloody HaHimself—intervieweeEducational show discussing celebrities' memories of school bullies, aired 28 August
Pulling PowerHimself—guestMotoring show, aired 24 September
Space CadetsTeam captainComedy sci-fi quiz, all 10 episodes
Funky BunkerHimself—hostLate night chat show. 13 episodes. Also co-writer
The National Lottery LiveHimself—presenterOpened the draw, 5 November
English Express Language SkillsHimself—presenterSchools education series
1997–1998Dick Whittington and His Wonderful CatIdle JackPantomime stage play
1998Can't Smeg, Won't SmegDave Lister—contestantSpecial edition of Can't Cook, Won't Cook, aired 14 February
Universe ChallengeHimself—contestantSpecial Red Dwarf edition of University Challenge, aired 14 February
Children in NeedDave ListerRed Dwarf short episode
The Selfish CrocodileNarratorAudiobook edition of children's book
Fully BookedHimself—intervieweeMagazine show
1998–2004Robot WarsHimself—hostSeries 2–7 (after replacing Jeremy Clarkson)
1999–2000Ripley's Believe It or Not!UK presenter
1999The Colour of FunnyKeith DennisShort comedy film
2000Craig Charles: SickbagHimselfVHS video release of live stand-up comedy show
Craig Charles and His BandEdinburgh Festival, August. Recording album Giving You The Eye
JailbreakHimself—hostReality challenge show
2001Top Ten TV Sci-FiHimself—intervieweeDocumentary
Porridge Selection BoxHimselfWorldwide VHS video release. Introduced clips
LexxThe WardenCanadian sci-fi series. Episode: "P4X" Hattie Hayridge from Red Dwarf as his wife. Series 4, Vol. 1 DVD (2001)
Don't WalkNarrator (voice)Short film
Amazing Space: The Pub Guide to the UniverseHimself—hostDiscussion series with guest experts on space related topics
2002EastEnders: Ricky and BiancaVinceEastEnders spin-off drama, aired 20 May
The Saturday ShowHimself—intervieweeMagazine show, 1 June
2002–2004Takeshi's CastleHimself—commentatorUK voiceover of Japanese comedy challenge show. Also co-writer
2003The Sitcom StoryHimselfTV documentary
Sushi TVHimself—narratorUK version of Japanese TV clip show (after replacing Julian Clary)
DoctorsDCI Mercer7 episodes of soap opera
Monstrous BossesHimself—presenterLinks between clips in a battle between two comedy characters, 10–11 May
Lovable RoguesLinks between clips, aired 3 August
Holby CityAdrian SummersEpisode: "Full Circle", aired 16 December
2004Ten MinutesMarkShort comedy film, launched at the BAFTA and Cannes Film Festival in 2003. Film release July 2004
Britain's Best SitcomHimselfTV documentary
Weapons of Mass DistractionHimself—presenterSatirical comedy chat show exploring tabloid newspaper world
Celebrities DisfiguredHimself (disguised)Documentary exploring attitudes to disfigurement, aired 17 April
The Weakest LinkHimself—contestantCharity edition of quiz show. "Stars of the '90s". Reached 3rd place, aired 4 August
Comedy ConnectionsHimself—intervieweeDocumentary episode on Red Dwarf, aired 30 August
Public OpinionPanel show, opinions on celebrities from members of the public, aired 21 September
Celebrity Poker ClubHimself—contestantChallenge, series 3, reached semi-finals
Dream TeamJoel BrooksSoccer agent in Sky TV football drama
2005Forty Years of FuckHimself—intervieweeBBC documentary examining swearing on TV
The GamesHimself—contestantReality game show for charity, based on the Olympic Games. Series 3.
Athletes in TrainingLive feed, following The Games contestants through their intensive training regime
2005–2015Coronation StreetLloyd MullaneyPrincipal cast in soap opera, first appearance 20 June 2005
2006FatedPedroFeature film. DVD (2011)
Clubbing to DeathCarl BegsleyFeature film. Not yet released (in post production)
2008–presentThe Craig Charles Funk & Soul ClubHimself—DJLive DJ performances throughout the UK, and occasionally abroad
2009CarpoolHimself—intervieweeVideo-podcast interview by Robert Llewellyn of Red Dwarf
2010UK Festival AwardsHimselfHosted award ceremony at The IndigO2, London, 18 November
Robert Llewellyn's CarpoolHimself—intervieweeChat show. Episode 1.5: aired 2 December
50 Years of Corrie StuntsHimself—voiceoverCoronation Street documentary, aired 6 December. On Tram Crash DVD (2010)
2011Zombie CarnageFrankPromotional trailer for feature film
Cast MatesHimselfCoronation Street online Q&A, 31 August
This MorningHimself—IntervieweeDaytime entertainment show, 6 September
2012BBC BreakfastNews programme, 10 March
Loose WomenChat show, 15 March
Motorbike Diaries: Mad in the MedHimself—narratorTravel documentary series from Danny John-Jules of Red Dwarf
Evidently... John Cooper ClarkeHimself—intervieweeDocumentary on the poet John Cooper Clarke's life and career, aired 30 May
This MorningChat show, 6 July
Loose WomenChat show, 25 September
The Alan Titchmarsh ShowChat show, 28 September
We're SmeggedDocumentary on the making of Red Dwarf X. On series X DVD, released 19 November
This MorningChat show, 19 November
The Craig Charles Funk & Soul ClubMusic compilerCompilation album, released on Freestyle Records as CD and digital download, 26 November
The ChaseHimself—contestantCelebrity edition of quiz show for 'Text Santa' charity appeal, ITV1, 21 December
2013Glastonbury FestivalHimself—presenterIntroduced acts (also interviewed musicians and performed DJ set), BBC Four, 28–30 June
Proms in the ParkHimselfPresented the Fantasy Funk Band at the BBC Proms, Hyde Park, London, 7 September
Pointless CelebritiesHimself—contestantCharity edition of quiz show, with Danny John-Jules from Red Dwarf, BBC1, aired 17 August
Craig Charles Fantasy WeekenderHimselfFunk and soul music festival, Bristol, 24–26 August
This Morning'Take a Moment' appeal, ITV1, 25 September
Surprise, SurpriseWith Simon Gregson and Sue Cleaver of Coronation Street, ITV1, 27 October
The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club 2Music compilerCompilation album, Freestyle records, released 25 November
2014Steve & Lloyd's Streetcar StoriesLloyd MullaneyCoronation Street mini-series, online, 3–12 February
BBC Radio 6 Music FestivalHimselfIntroduced acts, presented radio, DJ set, poetry performance at Festival Fringe, 1 March
LorraineHimself—intervieweeChat show, ITV1, 28 April
I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of HereHimself—contestantGame show, withdrew on day 4 for personal reasons
Keith Lemon's Through the KeyholeHimself—panellistITV1 game show
The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club 3Music compilerCompilation album, Freestyle records, released 24 November
2015Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club ClassicsCompilation album box set, Sony Music, released 18 September
Witches, Wizards and Scary FairiesHimself—narratorLive performance of Scary Fairy poetry with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, 29 September
BBC BreakfastHimself—intervieweeBBC One news programme, 17 September
The One ShowBBC One chat show, 30 September
2016Celebrity Home SecretsHimselfSeries 1, Episode 2, 5 September
2017–2022The Gadget ShowCo-host alongside Jon Bentley, Ortis Deley and Georgie BarratSeries regular
2021–2022MoneybagsHostChannel 4 quiz show
2021Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Celebrity SpecialHimself—contestantSeries 37
2022Craig Charles: UFO ConspiraciesCo-presenter; with Sarah CruddasSky History documentary series
2025Zombie ApacheLiverpool JoeComedy Horror film by Writer/Director Charles Maxwell

Radio

YearProgrammeRoleNotes
1983John Peel ShowHimself—guestRecorded 6 poems during "Peel Session", aired 17 March
1984Radio. Recorded 3 song, aired 14 February
1987–1989Loose EndsHimself—panelistRegular guest on Ned Sherrin's chat show
1989The Steve Jones ShowHimself—interviewee16 March
1992–1993The Craig Charles Breakfast ShowHimself—hostRadio show
1995MacbethThe PorterSteven Berkoff's Macbeth, aired 28 December
2002–presentThe Craig Charles Funk & Soul ShowHimself—hostFirst broadcast 15 March 2002
2004Craig Charles Breakfast Show
2005One Nation Under a GrooveHimself—presenterRadio 2 documentary. The Story of George Clinton & P-Funk, aired 12 February
2011The Craig Charles Soul All-nighterHimself—host27–28 August
2012Fantasy Funk Band at Maida ValeHimself—presenterReview for BBC Radio 6 Music's 10th anniversary
BeatlelandDocumentary on the Beatles in Liverpool, aired 10 October
2013Didn't It Rain: When the Blues came to BritainHimself—narratorMusic history documentary, BBC Radio 2, aired 24 October
2015Sarah and Dan's Extra EditionHimself—intervieweeBBC Radio 5 Live, 24 September
Witches, Wizards and Scary FairiesNarrator"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

References

References

  1. Craig Charles @CCfunkandsoul. (11 July 2020). "Happy birthday to me from the funk and soul crew". [[Twitter]].
  2. [http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Actor+Craig's+tribute+to+much-loved+father.-a0138994015 "Actor Craig's tribute to much-loved father"], ''Liverpool Echo'', 22 November 2005
  3. Williams, Holly. (27 June 2012). "My Secret Life: Craig Charles, 47, DJ and actor".
  4. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/people/craig_charles_person_page.shtml "Craig Charles person page"] bbc.co.uk
  5. [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/education-passedfailed-craig-charles-1070071.html "Education: Passed/Failed Craig Charles"], ''The Independent'', 11 February 1999, London
  6. (29 April 2019). "Merseyside Mirth Makers – Craig Charles".
  7. Housham, David. "Craig Charles: Compulsive Listening", ''Q magazine'', April 1987, pp. 25–26
  8. (6 March 2020). "Craig Charles' struggle as a working-class artist still feels too familiar".
  9. Charles, Craig. Introduction to ''No Other Blue'', Penguin Books Ltd, London, 1997
  10. Brown, Chris. [http://webspace.webring.com/people/wj/junostar/CCicnetwork.html "A club that rocked when punk was in its prime"], ''Daily Post'', 16 September 2003
  11. ''The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show'', BBC Radio 6 Music, 12 May 2012
  12. AL Peters, "Craig Charles The Wordsmith, ''The John Peel Radio Show'', 1984", [http://www.groovinrecords.co.uk/ Groovin' Records]
  13. [http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/sta/search/detaile.cfm?EID=19588 ''Raising the Roof for the Gateway Exchange''], 29 August 1986, Edinburgh Festival Fringe
  14. Young, Andrew. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2507&dat=19870813&id=yDpAAAAAIBAJ&sjid=WFkMAAAAIBAJ&pg=2116,2850085 ''The Fringe: Craig Charles''], ''The Glasgow Herald'', 13 August 1987
  15. Make Design Enjoy. "Mr Soulsbury: April Podcast with Craig Charles and Ewan Hoozami!".
  16. Burrell, Ian. (7 March 2005). "Champion of funk soul brothers". [[The Independent]].
  17. [http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/07/02/craig-charles-returns-to-birmingham-for-the-mostly-jazz-festival-97319-28979805/ "Craig Charles returns to Birmingham for the Mostly Jazz festival"], ''Birmingham Mail'', 2 July 2011, {{Webarchive. link. (5 August 2011)
  18. link. (2 May 2014)
  19. Charles interviewed on ''The Steve Jones Show'', LBC Radio (London), 16 March 1989
  20. Pelley, Rich. (5 March 2019). "How we made Red Dwarf". The Guardian.
  21. Ellard, Andrew. ''Red Dwarf series III DVD boxset Collector's Booklet'', Grant Naylor Productions, 2003, pp. 8
  22. Cantor, Carrie. "Red Dwarf Interview: Lager Lout Lister", ''TV Zone'', November 1993, pp. 8–11
  23. James York & Richard Luck. [http://blokely.com/entertainment/craig-charles-interview-red-dwarf-x "Craig Charles: Funk & Soul x Sci-fi"], ''Blokely'', 7 November 2012, {{Webarchive. link. (12 November 2012)
  24. Fletcher, Harry. (3 February 2016). "Dara Ó Briain replaces Craig Charles as new Robot Wars presenter". Digital Spy.
  25. Warner, Sam. (3 October 2017). "Takeshi's Castle is returning to UK television, but Craig Charles will be replaced as commentator". Digital Spy.
  26. "Lloyd Mullaney".
  27. (6 September 2011). "Corrie's Craig Charles on being romantic, ''This Morning'' ITV interview with Charles".
  28. Wright, Jade. (27 September 2013). "Craig's a Soul Man at Heart".
  29. [http://futureradio.co.uk/audio/by/title/kate_roma_interviews_craig_charles "Kate Roma Interviews Craig Charles"] {{webarchive. link. (29 May 2014 , Future Radio, Norwich, 27 April 2012)
  30. "Streetcar Stories".
  31. (3 May 2015). "Craig Charles quits Coronation Street to head back into space with Red Dwarf".
  32. "Lexx Press – SFX 77 – April 2001".
  33. O'Connor, Roisin. (30 October 2017). "Ghostwatch: BBC Halloween spoof that 'gave children PTSD' turns 25". The Independent.
  34. Fletcher, Alex. (11 November 2014). "I'm a Celebrity lineup confirmed: Michael Buerk, Kendra, Craig Charles".
  35. Miles, Tina. (19 November 2014). "I'm A Celebrity star Liverpool's Craig Charles rocked by brother's death". Liverpool Echo.
  36. Tyler, Lee. (15 May 2010). "Craig Charles: The funk, the whole funk and nothin' but the funk". Blues and Soul.
  37. (21 July 2021). "Craig Charles to host new BBC Radio 6 Music weekday afternoon show – Media Centre".
  38. "BBC Radio 6 Music – Craig Charles".
  39. "ARIAS 2023 Winners".
  40. Interview with Charles by Terry Christian, ''The Word'', Channel 4, 1994
  41. ''Metro'', 28 November 2012, Andrew Williams [http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/919157-craig-charles-i-only-thought-red-dwarf-would-last-two-series "Craig Charles"], London
  42. Freestyle Records, 26 November 2012 [http://www.freestylerecords.co.uk/index.php/the-craig-charles-funk-soul-club/ "ALBUM: The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club"]
  43. (20 September 1995). "Comedy: Craig Charles Speaks, Duke of York's Theatre, London". The Independent.
  44. (20 September 1995). "'Hull In Print: The show must go on'". Hull City Council.
  45. (25 July 2000). "Star Challenge: Hanging on the telephone with... Craig Charles. – Free Online Library".
  46. "Big Weekends | Madness House of Fun Weekender | Adult Weekends | Special Events | Butlins".
  47. (1 June 2007). "Charles writing Autobiography". Official Red Dwarf Website.
  48. Harford, Sarah. (3 December 2017). "On my radar: Craig Charles's cultural highlights".
  49. (2022-03-19). "Dog 'petrified' as 'big cat' spotted in Cheshire village".
  50. Spencer, Nikki. (29 May 2015). "Craig Charles: My family values". [[The Guardian]].
  51. Cusick, James. (4 March 1995). "'Red Dwarf' star cleared of rape".
  52. (31 July 2003). "The trauma of being falsely accused". [[BBC News Online.
  53. Jenkins, Tiffany. (7 May 2013). "Less anonymity means more justice".
  54. Jonze, Tim. (21 September 2015). "Craig Charles: 'I'm 51, I shouldn't be getting disco injuries!'".
  55. (29 September 2006). "Charles to make Street comeback". [[BBC News Online.
  56. (22 September 2006). "Actor Charles given drugs caution". [[BBC News Online.
  57. Hattenstone, Simon. (4 November 2020). "Craig Charles: 'This is my midlife crisis – I should have just bought a Porsche!'". [[The Guardian]].
  58. "Craig Charles CV, Acting – United Agents".
  59. "Channel 4 grabs Youngest Media's high-stakes daytime quiz Moneybags".
  60. "Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies".
  61. "No Irish, no Niggers". WorldCat.
  62. "Interview with Dave Lister Craig Charles Simon Fitzpatrick & Ema Lea caught up Charles DJ".
Info: Wikipedia Source

This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page.

Want to explore this topic further?

Ask Mako anything about Craig Charles — get instant answers, deeper analysis, and related topics.

Research with Mako

Free with your Surf account

Content sourced from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This content may have been generated or modified by AI. CloudSurf Software LLC is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of AI-generated content. Always verify important information from primary sources.

Report