spotlight on... ALEX WALKINSHAW.

Image: Tough, dogged East End boy Best known for: Playing Sgt Smith in The Bill Early life: Alex Walkinshaw was born on 5 October 1974 in Barking, Essex. A keen swimmer as a child, he used to train five days a week and compete in various competitions, finding it helped his asthma. An energetic, extroverted child, he studied drama as an outlet for his creativity. After studying drama at his secondary school, Alex soon found he had a real talent and joined a Saturday drama class. Encouraged by his teachers, Alex was elated to be accepted into the Sylvia Young Theatre School and later the London Dance Studios.

Career: His first TV appearance was at the age of 12 as an extra in Grange Hill for a year. From 1992 to 1993 he appeared in the sitcom Side by Side. He first appeared in The Bill in 3 episodes as a guest star in 1992, 1993 and 1995, before joining as a regular cast member in 1999. He joined The Bill as PC Dale Smith, better known as Smithy, and then left in 2001. In 2003, he later returned when his character was promoted to Sergeant. As a huge supporter of charity, he is the patron for St Thomas' Lupus Trust. On 24 March 2007, he took part in The Weakest Link and won. He won pounds 9,450 and gave it to an Essex based charity called Kids In Need. He is now a member of the cast of Waterloo Road. Love life: In 2000, Alex met his wife Sarah when she worked as a make-up artist on The Bill. They married on 21 June 2009 after several years together and live in Kent with their two children; spotlight on... ALEX WALKINSHAW daughter Flora, born in 2004, and son Jack, born 2006. Don't mention: West Ham United's relegation a few years back. A massive West Ham fan, Alex wore a black armband to work the day after they were relegated. Quote: "It's meant as a compliment, you plum."

Tonight: Waterloo Road, BBC One, 8pm.

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Title Annotation:	Features
Publication:	Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales)
Date:	Mar 17, 2012
Words:	345
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