Although born Irish, he grew up in Kilburn, North LondonTook over the role of Mark Fowler in 1990 to replace David Scarboro , who committed suicide in 1988.He is a West Ham supporter.Has lived with Dina Clarkin since 1992; they have one son James (b. 1996).Was in attendance at the funeral of his former "EastEnders" (1985) co-star Wendy Richard (9 March 2009).Is one of 7 "EastEnders" (1985) actors to have competed on "Dancing on Ice" (2006/I). The others, in chronological order, are Gemma Bissix (Clare Bates), Bobby Davro (Vinnie Monks), Danniella Westbrook (Sam Mitchell), Nadia Sawalha (Annie Palmer), Sam Attwater (Leon Small) and Laila Morse (Mo Harris).He is the only actor to appear in both the first and last episodes of "Grange Hill" (1978).