Gavin and Stacey icon’s life from Emmerdale star ‘landlady’ to sisters with rare condition

Samuel Anderson is a recognisable presence on television for decades – but what do we know about the BBC Amandaland star?

The talented actor has featured in numerous popular programmes throughout the years, from beloved sitcoms such as Gavin and Stacey to BBC crime dramas including Shetland. At present, he portrays Mal on BBC’s successful series Amandaland, alongside stars like Lucy Punch, Joanna Lumley and Philippa Dunne.

Yet, beyond the television studios and productions, Samuel typically maintains his personal life discreetly and away from public attention and the spotlight. Nevertheless, here’s everything you need to know about the gifted Birmingham-born star.

Samuel’s TV roles

Samuel was born in Handsworth, Birmingham, to an Irish mother and Jamaican father. He subsequently refined his skills at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in London, reports the Mirror.

Samuel then secured the part of Crowther in the National Theatre’s 2004 staging of History Boys, where he performed alongside Gavin and Stacey co-star James Corden.

Following that, Samuel has enjoyed a distinguished career, featuring in Doctors, Hex, and The Afternoon Play. Another significant role for him is Fingers, in Gavin and Stacey, in which he appeared with James and Mathew Horne.

In cinema, Samuel featured in the 2024 Amy Winehouse biopic, Back to Black and The Lady in the Van, performing alongside the late Dame Maggie Smith.

Samuel on Emmerdale return

Samuel also made his mark in the world of soap operas, portraying police officer and ladies’ man Ross Kirk on ITV’s Emmerdale. He first appeared in 2007, and throughout his time on the show his character attracted the attention of numerous women, among them his married colleague Donna Dingle (Verity Rushworth).

When the Daily Record quizzed him on whether his on-screen spark with Verity had translated into something real, Samuel was quick to dismiss any romantic speculation. Samuel laughed: “It’s nothing like that – we’re not Emmerdale’s answer to Kylie and Jason. Verity is my landlady!”

The two shared accommodation in Leeds while shooting the ITV soap. Samuel explained: “Sharing the house is a good arrangement. It means we can go over our lines and I’m sure it adds to the chemistry on screen.”

Samuel departed the soap in 2009, and by 2015 he was hinting at a possible return to the Dales. He told the Daily Express: “I loved Emmerdale, that was one of my first big gigs. Everyone on that gig was lovely, I absolutely loved Emmerdale.

“Would I consider going back? Ross Kirk returns from Newcastle to the village, I love that show, yes I would. I consider it everything.”

He further highlighted the lingering prejudice faced by soap actors: “I don’t think a lot of people understand that when you’re an actor, to be working is – that should be priority first and foremost.”

Samuel on his brave sisters

Samuel has long been guarded about the details of his personal life. The television star is absent from social media and it remains unclear whether he is currently in a relationship. However, an interview with The Sunday Times disclosed that he has no children.

The star has two sisters, who were reported to be 45 and 39 last year, both living with a rare condition caused by variants in the PRMT7 gene. The condition resulted in reduced muscle tone and severe developmental delays.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Samuel expressed enormous pride in his siblings, while also making a poignant admission about their upbringing, revealing that if strangers gave his sisters a “funny look”, he would see “red mist”.

“They’re the oldest people alive with this condition. Normally I’m the most chilled-out person – good luck if you can offend me – but when I was younger, if people would give them a funny look or say something about them, I’d see the red mist,” Samuel said.

He added: “Now I understand it’s a lack of understanding on their part, but then…”