Inside actor Ian Puleston-Davies’ life from personal battles to DI Ray and Corrie stardom

Inside actor Ian Puleston-Davies’ life from personal battles to DI Ray and Corrie stardom

DI Ray season two has arrived on ITV with Coronation Street’s Ian Puleston-Davies back as Supt Ross Beardsmore.

DI Ray season two is now in full swing but what do we know about the life of Ian Puleston-Davies, the actor behind Supt Ross Beardsmore?

As the Birmingham-based drama returned for its second series, two years after its initial debut on ITV, DI Rochita Ray (portrayed by actress Parminder Nagra) was assigned to investigate a fatal drive-by shooting outside a hospital.

Once again, Supt Ross Beardsmore (Ian Puleston-Davies) is there to undermine her at every turn, with DI Ray remaining resolute in her mission to expose his racial discrimination.

So, who is Ian Puleston-Davies, the actor portraying the racially prejudiced Supt Ross Beardsmore?

Early Life

Born in September 1958, he was raised on a farm in Flint, North Wales although expected to follow in his family’s footsteps, he was reportedly inspired to pursue acting by a drama teacher.

He became a founding member of the Flintshire Youth Theatre and at the age of 19, moved to London to study acting at the Guildhall School Of Music And Drama.

While he may be more recognised for his serious, villainous roles, the 66 year old began his career in the 1980s, honing his comedy skills on the streets of London. He was reportedly the first comedian reviewed by London arts and events magazine City Limits.

Biggest roles to date

Over the years, Puleston-Davies has had numerous onscreen roles, appearing in shows such as Hollyoaks, EastEnders, Rockface, Being Human, Pennyworth and Waterloo Road.

He also lent his voice to King Thistle in the children’s animated series Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom.

However, he truly rose to prominence when he played Owen Armstrong in Coronation Street for five years, from 2010 to 2015.

During his time on the renowned ITV soap, he was swindled out of £80,000 by villainous Pat Phelan (Connor McIntyre), found himself in a love triangle with Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) and Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver), before eventually finding love with Gary Windass’ (Mikey North) mother Anna Windass (Debbie Rush).

Regrettably, after their relationship ended, he chose to leave Weatherfield permanently and relocate to Scotland.

Mental health struggles

Puleston-Davies has been candid over the years about his experience living with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

In fact, he not only penned a column for the BBC about growing up with the condition but also filmed a documentary titled OCD – An Actor’s Tale and is a patron of OCD UK.

Actor Ian Puleston-Davies starred as Owen Armstrong in Coronation Street for five years. (Image: ITV)

Discussing his OCD, the actor revealed: “I was diagnosed at 35 when I went to get some help with a condition that had become so disabling I was struggling to get out of bed in the morning, for fear of breaking my neck.

“But the real answer is, I’d known I was different from as early as seven-years-old.

“And there’s one particular memory that’s become stamped in my mind.

“I grew up in north Wales in the town of Flint and have happy memories as a school boy at Ysgol Gwynedd. But it was also where I started to show signs of OCD.

“I loved football but for some reason, every time I was passed the ball I would anxiously check the flies of my shorts to make sure they were done up.

“You can’t help noticing something like that, and I stood out. Back then, of course, I just thought I was a bit odd. Now I realise that my ‘habits’ were in fact my OCDs.”

Famous family

The ex-Corrie actor is related to former World Champion kickboxer Russ Williams.

It’s reported that he has been seen at several of Williams’ events, often presenting medals to the winners.

Williams, who has trained stars including Spencer Wilding of Darth Vader fame, continues to coach in Wales and the North West.

Puleston-Davies, while not married, is in a committed relationship with Sue, and they have two children, Maggie and Charlie, living together in Cheshire.

DI Ray season two is available to watch on ITV and ITVX.

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