After the smash-hit first series, After Life has finally returned to Netflix for a brand new season.
Ricky Gervais’s heart-wrenching comedy sees cynical journalist Tony (Gervais) still struggling to come to terms with his wife’s death, and falling back into his old ways as his eccentric group of friends try to offer him support.
The new series also welcomes some new characters into the series – with one a very familiar face.
Bill Ward has now joined the series as suave newcomer Simon, but here’s where you may have seen him before.
Who is Bill Ward?
He’s definitely got one of those ‘Where have I seen him before?’ faces, with the 52-year-old actor having launched his TV career all the way back in 2001.
While he had small parts in Jonathan Creek, Holby City and the legendary Footballers’ Wives, Ward’s big break came when he landed the role of Coronation Street villain Charlie Stubbs in 2003.
In the ITV soap for four years and featuring in 418 episodes, Charlie’s biggest storylines included his abusive relationship with landlady Shelley Unwin (played by Sally Lindsay), his attempt to drown David Platt (Jack P Shepherd) and his twisted relationship with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford).
Like all of Corrie’s great villains, Charlie had a dramatic exit storyline after Tracy plotted to kill her partner when she discovered the extent of his lies and deceit. After attacking him with an ornament, he was hospitalised and died of his injuries.
More recently, Ward played James Barton in Emmerdale. Joining the soap in 2013, James Barton arrived on the farm after he hears from Moira (Natalie J Robb) that his son was now staying with her.
Featuring in 271 episodes, James’ big storylines included having a brief tryst with ex-fling Moira, reconciling with estranged wife Emma (Gillian Kearney) who dramatically keeps him prisoner after she discovers his fling with Moira. James is knocked down the stairs and then over a bridge by Emma into a huge car pile-up, and dies as a result of her injuries.
Ward has also starred in Midsomer Murders, Silent Witness and Casualty.
Who does Bill Ward play in After Life?
Ward has a recurring role as Simon, who is vying with Tony to win the affections of care home nurse Emma (Ashley Jensen).
After Life series two is now available to stream on Netflix
