Alex Newcombe Walkinshaw

Born on Saturday 5th October 1974, Alex is a 33 year old Libran who was born in Barking in Essex.

As a child Alex used to train 5 days a week and compete in various competitions, finding it helped his asthma with the 100m butterfly being his strongest. Like most 12 year old boys, Alex was energetic and began to get himself in trouble and badly needed an outlet for his enthusiasm, something his parents were only too keen to encourage. After studying drama at his secondary school, Alex soon found he had a real talent and joined a Saturday drama class, soon forgetting about the swimming. Encouraged by his teachers, Alex was elated to be accepted into the Sylvia Young Theatre School and later the London Dance Studios.

Starting in Grange Hill as an extra, Alex soon moved on to take up roles in Casualty, Nelsons Column, A Touch Of Frost and many more, securing himself a part as a regular in Side By Side and McCallum.

It was whilst performing in Lift Off at the Royal Court Theatre that Alex was spotted by one of the producers of The Bill and put was encouraged to audition for the role he is best known as, Dale Smith. Having appeared in The Bill three times before, Alex was familiar with some of the other actors and soon settled in, Smithy becoming a popular character both on screen and off with Alex’s favourite storyline being the Louise Larsen story and any where he can perform his own stunts.

Alex first left The Bill to move to America to get married, but sadly it didn’t work out and he returned to England and to The Bill after a few other roles, but this time he was a Sergeant! Upon returning, Alex started a relationship with former The Bill make up artist, Sarah Trusler, and they are now engaged after Alex proposed by writing a message in the sand on a Cornish beach. The couple have two children together, Flora, born in 2004 and Jack born December 2006.

Alex is a firm supporter of various charities and appeared on The Weakest Link in March 2007 where he won £9450 and gave it to the Essex based Charity Kids In Need of which good friend and ex-cast member Rene Zagger is a patron. He and Rene have also helped out St Thomas’ Lupus Trust with other actors on The Bill, and Alex, who recently became a Patron for them, hosted an auction in 2006 as part of their Bollywood Ball dressed in traditional Indian clothing and has also walked on fire and attended concerts before for them.

A massive West Ham fan, Alex wore a black armband to work the day after they were relegated and has even taught his 3 year old daughter how to sing ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’. He enjoys playing football and is honoured at having had the chances to play Charity matches with former West Ham stars.

As well as football, Alex also enjoys DIY, golf (being nicknamed ‘Swear Up’ for constant foul language!) and other sports including dancing.