Most people probably recognise James as Jack Halford in New Tricks.  But his long list of TV credits also includes When the Boat Comes in, Alan Plater’s wonderful Beiderbecke Trilogy, The Missing Postman, Cold feet and a sensational performance as Harold Shipman in a recreation of his trial. Also many costume dramas, and hit comedies Only When I Laugh, Second Thoughts, Room at the Bottom, and many more, including the popular CBeebies show Grandpa in My Pocket which is now viewing on YouTube.   Stage work has seen him in London’s West End, on Broadway, at the Royal National Theatre, The Royal Court, Young and Old Vics and the Chichester Festival Theatre, most recently in Fracked by Alastair Beaton, followed by a sellout tour of the south of England.