Worked in the Merchant Navy, trained as a Graphic Designer and worked as a minicab driver. First drama job was Assistant Stage Manager at the Richmond Theatre. First acting role was in the play "Woman in a Dressing Gown" at said theatre. First break was a guest appearance in "The Sweeney" (1975).

When he first appeared in The Bill (a guest role in episode 1) his character was called Tommy Burnside, but by the time he emerged as a regular character he had become Frank Burnside!He was cast as George Lusk in the abandoned Jack The Ripper mini-series, which would have starred Barry Foster, helmed by David Wickes.Is an artist painter in his spare time.Father of Louis Ellison .