A Part Worth Playing: My autobiography

Derek Fowlds is known the world over for his countless appearances in many household favourite television dramas and films.

From apprentice printer to armed forces disc jockey, from the West End to Broadway, from the silver screen to worldwide television fame, Derek’s career has seen him work alongside some of the greatest names in showbiz.

He worked in films with Alec Guinness, Kenneth More, Dirk Bogarde and Gina Lollobrigida. He shook Sinatra's hand. He appeared on screen or stage with Laurence Harvey, Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig and Benedict Cumberbatch. Then there’s also been a note or two with Gary Barlow and Simon le Bon.

A whole generation embraced “Mr Derek” when he appeared alongside the outspoken Basil Brush, and a nation laughed at the classic BBC comedy Yes Minister, in which he starred alongside Paul Eddington and Nigel Hawthorne. He played Oscar Blaketon in eighteen series of the still hugely popular Heartbeat series.

With his heart resting easily on his sleeve Derek talks candidly about his personal life, his adoring mother and sister, his two wives, his many lovers and his one true love. It is a story that swings from triumph to bitter disappointment, from glorious unadulterated joy to appalling tragedy.