I was born in Cwmbran South Wales to an African father and a Yorkshire mother. My early years were spent in my father's native country of Sierra Leone, settling first in Freetown, and later in Kenema.

I visited Yorkshire on and off as a child and settled permanently when I was 11 years old. From then on I attended Holmfirth High School, and I retain strong links with this area.

In my first career I trained as a hairdresser and owned two salons in Huddersfield. I then sold these two successful businesses before doing a 2 year BTEC course in Performing Arts at Barnsley Electric Theatre. From here I successfully auditioned for higher level drama courses and went on to train at Capitol Theatre (Manchester Metropolitan University).

I have always worked with youth drama groups, and my first job out of university was a two year contract running the Youth Theatre at the Palace Theatre, Redditch - I also took over as Acting Artistic Director whilst they searched for somebody to take the post permanently, directing main house productions in addition to my usual duties.

My work as an actor has dovetailed with directing and leading workshops. I have extensive television experience, including a regular role for two series in BBC TV's drama "Bodies" and four series of "The Four o-Clock Club".

I am married to Matthew and have a daughter and a dog.