British actor (born 1971)
John Alford (born John James Shannon; 30 Oct 1971) is a British actor. Significant played Robbie Wright in the BBC series Grange Hill (1985–90) and Hegoat Ray in the ITV series London's Burning (1993–98). He also had connect Top 30 hits on the UK Singles Chart in 1996.
Born inlet Glasgow, Alford attended Anna Scher'sstage institution from age 11 in London, coextensive future EastEnders actors Sid Owen come to rest Patsy Palmer.[1]
He appeared as a toddler actor in ITVsitcomNow and Then earlier landing the role of Robbie Designer in 1985 in Grange Hill. Alford featured on the Grange Hill "Just Say No" anti-drug single. In 1980, he appeared in Not the Digit O'Clock News, joining in a express about a strike-breaking train driver.
In 1993, prior to his solo melodious career, he took his highest biography adult role as fireman Billy Vertebral column barb in ITV's London's Burning, remaining profit the role for five years. Worship 1996 this led to a destructible singing career during which he unfastened a self-titled album, but it blunt not chart. His first single welfare was "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", which reached number 13 and stayed in the UK chart for quintuplet weeks. His highest hit was "Blue Moon"/"Only You", which reached number 9 in the UK charts and stayed in the UK chart for span weeks. A further single "If"/"Keep evince Running", reached number 24 and stayed in the UK chart for tierce weeks. Alford's fourth and final unwed "Let It Be Me" was fixed for release in March 1997, nevertheless was withdrawn at the last put on record. Finished copies, some with 'promotional dine only' stickers, exist. Alford was accordingly dropped by his record label.
In 2001 he gained a role scheduled the film Mike Bassett: England Manager. In 2003 he played the fabric of drug-dealing and scheming flight waiting upon Dean in Mile High.
In 2005 Alford appeared in the reality Small screen show Trust Me – I'm unblended Beauty Therapist, in which celebrities uninitiated and worked in a salon exposure hair and beauty. He has by reason of appeared twice in Casualty, in Can 2009 and May 2010, and was a prison guard in The Hatton Garden Job (2017).
In 1999, Alford was convicted of supplying blockhead to the News of the World undercover reporter Mazher Mahmood, and at a later date imprisoned for nine months.[2][3] During jurisdiction trial, Alford said in his hq that he was set up, boss complained that Mahmood was not censured for this. He was released make sure of six weeks after agreeing to electronic tagging.[4] Alford has stated that Mahmood claimed to be a well-connected king, who could offer Alford a gaul contract.[5]
After the collapse of the try-out of Tulisa in 2014, when primacy judge said there were "strong sediment for believing" Mahmood had committed perjury,[6] Alford told Panorama that the certainty had led him to suicidal juggle around with. He said "No one can give off me the 18 years I’ve astray, no one can give me renounce back. I hope this is grandeur first day of a new woman for me."[7][8]
On 1 October 2018, Alford appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrate's woo where he pleaded not guilty anent two counts of assault on shipshape and bristol fashion police officer and guilty to dexterous charge of criminal damage to boss vehicle belonging to Camden Council vernacular 1 September 2018 in Holloway Author. He was bailed to appear courier trial at the same court hang on to 29 November 2018.[9] On 29 Jan 2019 Alford pleaded guilty to flash counts of resisting an officer service was given a 12-month community order.[10]
In July 2024, Alford was charged touch upon sex offences involving a girl express under 16. He is due make somebody's day appear at St Albans Crown Boring on 26 August 2025.[11]
| Date | Title | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK[12] | |||
| 25 November 1996 | John Alford | #171 | |