Heartbeat: Inside David Lonsdale's career since ITV hit – from Vera to Downton Abbey

The gripping storylines, beloved cast and nostalgic setting are just a few of the reasons why viewers love watching police drama Heartbeat again and again. Fans of the show have been treated to a trip down memory lane since ITV3 started airing old episodes, and many are wondering what the stars of the show are up to now.

David Lonsdale, became a familiar face on TV screens thanks to his role in programme, but where is he now?

Heartbeat

David played the role of comic "village buffoon" David Stockwell. The actor first appeared in the show for brief stints during series three and four and then five and seven, but he soon became a more regular member of the Heartbeat family from series eight onwards and remained on the show until its cancellation in 2010. David also made a couple of appearances in the spin-off show, The Royal.

© ITV/Shutterstock

When he began appearing on the show more frequently, his character became less "village buffoon" and evolved into a more comedic role but his heart of gold remained throughout.

Other roles

Heartbeat was perhaps David's most notable role, with his turn as David Stockwell being his most familiar character. But prior to the ITV drama, the actor appeared in a number of other TV shows and films. In 1986, David appeared as young Peter Barlow in Coronation Street and the actor even had a small role in hugely popular 1997 film The Full Monty.

Career since Heartbeat

Soon after Heartbeat wrapped, David had two more stints in Corrie (2011 and 2013) and also tried his hand at other soaps such as Casualty, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.

© ITV/Shutterstock

Nowadays, David continues to act and his most recent film part came in the form of a desk sergeant in the Downton Abbey feature film in 2019. He also starred in shows including Vera, Dirty and The Bay, alongside the ITV drama Anne. 

He's also gone on to appear in comedy theatre productions in recent years including at the New Vic Theatre, and also in local pantomimes in the north.

Marriage and children

David has been married to his wife Diana since 1993 and the couple have three children.