Al Hunter Ashton facts for kids

Al Hunter Ashton (born Alan Hunter; 26 June 1957 – 27 April 2007) was an English actor and script writer. He was known for his roles in TV shows like Crossroads and London's Burning. He also wrote many TV scripts, including for popular soaps like EastEnders.

About Al Hunter Ashton

Al Hunter Ashton was born in Birmingham, Warwickshire. His birth name was Alan Hunter. He grew up in a working-class family. From the age of 15, he enjoyed writing scripts. He also worked as a stand-up comedian in clubs. He earned about £15 a night for his comedy shows.

He first used the name "Al Hunter" for his writing. But when he started acting, he found there was already an actor named Al Hunter. So, he chose "Al Ashton" for his acting roles. This name helped him appear higher up in lists of actors. Later, he combined his two names and became known as Al Hunter Ashton. He also sometimes wrote under the name Alun Nipper.

His Work in TV and Film

Al Hunter Ashton's first acting job was with a group called Theatre in Education. They performed plays for students in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. After that, he acted in plays by Willy Russell, such as Breezeblock Park and Blood Brothers.

In 1985, Willy Russell asked him to write a TV play for BBC Schools. This play was called Teaching Matthew. It was a funny take on Russell's own play, Educating Rita. Al Hunter Ashton often wrote small parts for himself in the scripts he created. In Teaching Matthew, he played a police officer.

Al Hunter Ashton worked closely with the Stage 22 School of Arts Network in the UK. After he passed away, students from this school honored him. They made their own version of the Queen song Only the Good Die Young. They dedicated it to him and his three young children.

Acting Roles (Some Examples)

• Angels: He played Mike Hathaway in this long-running BBC TV drama.
• Crossroads: A popular soap opera where he played Ray Grice in 108 episodes.
• The Brittas Empire: He appeared as a tanker driver in one episode of this comedy series.
• Jack & the Beanstalk: He played Fireman Sampson in this pantomime in 2006.
• Jekyll: A TV drama where he played a character named Christopher.
• London's Burning: This was a drama about firefighters. He played Raymond "Pitbull" Darby, a loud character.
• Emmerdale: Another soap opera where he played Colin Long in 7 episodes.
• Mr In-Between: A film where he played Fat Dave.
• The 10th Kingdom: A TV mini-series where he was a prisoner alongside Jimmy Nail.
• Wire in the Blood: He played Darren Toynton in this ITV drama.
• Sisterhood (2008): A film where he played Reggie.

Writing Credits (Some Examples)

• Alison: A BBC TV screenplay.
• EastEnders: He was a regular writer and story planner for this BBC TV soap opera since 1987.
• Holby City: He was a main writer, story planner, and producer for this medical drama.
• Pieces of a Silver Lining: A BBC radio play he wrote with Martin Jameson.
• Safe: This TV drama won a BAFTA award for Best Single Drama.
• Teaching Matthew: A BBC TV show he wrote and also acted in.
• The Broker's Man: He created and wrote this show with Tim O'Mara.
• The Firm: A BBC TV film he wrote (as Al Hunter).
• Alive and Kicking: A film shown as part of the BBC drama series 'Screen One'.

His Passing

Al Hunter Ashton passed away on 27 April 2007. He died from heart failure at his home in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. An episode of the TV series New Tricks, called "Mad Dogs," was dedicated to his memory.

Awards and Recognition

Al Hunter Ashton won an important award for his writing.

• Safe (1993): This was a powerful story about homelessness. It won the 1994 BAFTA award for Best Single Drama.

Film Roles