English actor
He was convicted of murder while in the army: he shot a taxi driver in the back of the head while attempting to rob him, and served ten years in prison. While at Leyhill Prison in Gloucestershire, he met Louise Jameson who was working as a prison visitor in her spare time. She persuaded him to become an actor.
He loves football and is a West Ham United Supporter. He also plays cricket for a charity team called "The Bunburys".
He also does a wine slot on a morning programme every now and again.
Almost exactly a year before he got his big break in "EastEnders" , he appeared in a small part in "Doctor Who" for same director, Matthew Robinson. Having worked with him in fringe theatre, Robinson suggested him for one of the storys big guest roles as Commander Lytton, the ruthless mercenary helping the Daleks in "Doctor Who" {Resurrection of the Daleks: Part One (#21.11)} . The producer, John Nathan-Turner , wanted a bigger name actor, so the more experienced Maurice Colbourne was cast instead. Robinson then offered Grantham the choice of two roles, Galloway or Kiston. Grantham choose Kiston because he had more screen time and was a bigger character in the story overall, appearing in both episodes as the henchman to Davros.
He was ranked #9 in the 100 Greatest "EastEnders" Characters of All Time for his performance as Den Watts.
In May 2003, he signed a six-month deal to reprise his role as legendary character "Dirty Den", apparently killed and buried in 1989. He signed up to re-appear on screen in September 2003. He returned to BBCs Eastenders BBC1 8:00pm Monday 29th September 2003.
He was ranked #12 in The 100 Greatest "EastEnders" Characters of All Time for his performance as Den Watts.
