I studied Drama/English at Hull University and began working as an actor in the theatre with such names as Mike Bradwell, Danny Boyle and Anthony Minghella; And with companies as diverse as Hull Truck, The Bush and Stratford East. I also worked extensively in film and TV appearing as Mr Knowles in Grange Hill (circa 1982), as Deadbeat in Dr Who (circa 1985), in Anthony Minghella’s, What If It’s Raining, Stay Lucky with Dennis Waterman and most notably as Eric Catchpole in over 50 episodes of the BBC’s long running series, Lovejoy. Since Lovejoy I have turned my attention to writing and directing but have also appeared as a regular in Alamo’s Starting Out and Noah’s Ark for ITV.
SO glad I found your site – - an insight into the man behind the loveable Eric !! I posted on your site earlier – - wrong page – ah – erm – oops – -
MANY THANKS for all your hard work – - Lovejoy in particular – a WONDERFUL series with a fantastic cast. Thank goodness for dvds – we watch ours regularly. Quality entertainment at its best. Well done !
Thank you Steve. It’s a delight that people still enjoy the show so much.
Hi Chris.
My husband and I have just have just finished watching the complete Lovejoy series (Again). The series is as good today as it was when it was originally filmed. Fantastically written, perfectly casted and marvelously acted. To me, the series is in the same “Classics” category alongside “Fools & Horses” and “Steptoe & Son”. You bought such charm to Eric and had such excellent screen rapport woth the rest of the cast. Really glad I found your site. Do you think that a one-off, follow-up will ever be filmed? I know the books have continued since the series ended. I think it would definitely be well received.
Good Luck for the future.
Regards, Carrie
Lovely to hear from you and so glad the show is still giving so much pleasure after all these years!
I have seen every episode of lovejoy many times. I find TV monotanous these days so it is nice to put the DVD’s on and watch quality entertainment that was so much part of my youth. Thank you!
Thanks Leigh.
I wholeheartedly agree. I couldn’t believe it when the BBC launched similar drivel to ITV’s singing competitions. I have watched all of Lovejoy for the first time and I am 52! I was too busy working when the 6 series were first aired and though I saw and thoroughly enjoyed the episodes I did catch first time around, it’s only now on Yesterday that I have watched them all. Absolutely fantastic drama and the ever lovable Eric, very well played Chris. It was great to see you again this morning on the last episode…………..by the way, who’s baby was it?
Thank you and everyone involved for making superb TV viewing.
I remember now,20 odd years later, switching the ‘box’ on in the afternoon midweek and saying to myself ‘Lovejoy,what’s this load of @@@@@?! ‘, then 5 minutes lately being totally captivated with the characters and a very entertaining show , a sort of Minder/Only fools level comedy drama(nearly anyway imo lol)……a good cast and excellent acting….all the best ,Matt
Thanks mate. High praise indeed, even if qualified.
Hi Chris, I’ll check out the Lovejoy DVDs. I really enjoyed the programmes. When were you at Hull University? I studied Geography & History there in 1976-79, and my son has just graduated from Bath Spa (music). Time passes too quickly. All the best. Steve
I was at Hull 76′-79′. Small world!
Indeed it is. Best wishes Chris.
I ended up living in Hadleigh, Suffolk completely by accident & couldn’t believe it when I watched the first series again on DVD, Lovejoy as a series is just perfect. All we need now is you to remake & star in it, Suffolk needs you, Lovejoy country needs a boost, you still see pictures in shop windows where you filmed, people are so proud. I suppose I’m lucky I now get to drive through the spash at Kersey. Thanks for a brilliant few years of viewing, deeply missed.
A few years back, Ian McShane hinted that he might be interested in reprising the role of Lovejoy. Do you still keep in contact with him and has the subject of a new series of Lovejoy – or a one-off special – ever been discussed with you? In my opinion, the show deteriorated markedly once you had departed but I think there would be great interest in a return of the original cast.
There have been a couple of attempts to revive the show. BskyB were talking to Ian 2002/3 and I was hired as writer but there was a rights issue and it never happened. then the original producer, Allan McKeowan had another go about 2007. there’s nothing afoot at the moment as far as I know.
I am watching the whole series of ‘Lovejoy’ on Yesterday, a fantastic drama series. I was on holiday in Devon in 1994 and was fortunate to watch the last ever episode ‘Last Tango in Lavenham’ being shot on Burgh Island. I met Dudley and Ian but unfortunately you Chris was not there as you returned for this episode but your scenes I believe was shot in Essex/Suffolk. You all gave and still do give so much pleasure to the viewer with ‘Lovejoy’. May I wish you and your family well.
Hi Chris,
I was a very young lad when lovejoy 1st came on TV and am now been watching the re-run on TV now and am recording it on my PVR. I enjoy it alot as me and my family have lived in East Anglia all of our life,and is nice to see some famillier sites.
I do hope that there will be another lovejoy made like Auf pet.
Take care
Peter
Alwaays enjoyed Lovejoy the emsemble cast was first rate and very entertaining, I am ejoying the re-runs at the moment, I think I saw you recently on an Antiques road show buying off one of the antiques dealers. Good luck for the future.
Best wishes Chris Walker
Hi Chris , Really Enjoyed Lovejoy ,i thought you and Tinker made the show ,Two Questions did you actually ride the motorcycles on screen and if so did you ever own a motorbike?
Cheers
Nige Bennett