Derek Riddell


Derek Riddell is a Scottish television and theatre actor. He is best known for the portrayal of Richard Cawood in the BBC One television series Happy Valley. He is also known for Gentleman Jack, Industry, and The Missing.

Early life and education

Derek Riddell was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the son of teacher and former actress Hope Ross and former St Mirren and Berwick Rangers footballer Ian Riddell.
He graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a degree in business, before training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, graduating in 1990.

Career

After finishing drama school, Riddell was cast in the BBC Scotland production Strathblair and guest-starred in a number of popular TV shows such as Taggart, Casualty and The Bill. His big break came in the critically acclaimed Channel 4 series The Book Group and the comedy-drama No Angels.
He became widely known for the portrayal of Richard Cawood in the BBC One television series Happy Valley. He is also known for Gentleman Jack, Industry, and The Missing.
Riddell has also worked in theatre productions.

Personal life

His partner is the actress Frances Carrigan, and they have twins, Eve and Felix.

Filmography

YearWorkRoleNotes
1992–1993StrathblairAlec Ritchie20 episodes
1995TaggartDr Costello1 episode
1996CasualtyJeff Marriot1 episode
1997The BillRSPCA Insp. Goodman1 episode
2000TaggartStevie1 episode
2001Urban GothicBillings1 episode
2002CasualtyLewis1 episode
2002Where the Heart IsWilson1 episode
2002SpooksSteven1 episode, uncredited
2002The ProjectRichard LoachTelevision film
2002–2003The Book GroupRab12 episodes
2003Clocking OffJamie Campbell6 episodes
2004–2006No AngelsDr Jamie Patterson20 episodes
2005ShakespeaRe-ToldDon Reid"Much Ado About Nothing"
2005, 2006The Virgin QueenSir Walter Raleigh
2006Doctor WhoSir Robert MacLeishEpisode: "Tooth and Claw"
2006VincentMartin Downing1 episode
2007Dalziel and PascoeMark Croft2 episodes
2007State of MindDr James Lecroix8 episodes
2007–2009Ugly BettyStuart7 episodes
2008Terminator: The Sarah Connor ChroniclesLachlan Weaver1 episode
2009Trust MeDan1 episode
2009Law & Order: UKDr Alec MerrickEpisode: "Alesha"
2009Micro MenNigel Searle
2010Five DaysNick DurdonSeries 2
2011M.I. HighEdward Dixon Halliday1 episode
2011Death in ParadisePatrick Knight1 episode
2011Garrow's LawMatthew Bambridge1 episode
2012Secrets and WordsJohn JonesEpisode 5
2012DCI BanksSimon HarrisEpisode: "Innocent Graves" Parts 1 & 2
2013Silent WitnessMichael TrenterEpisode: "Change" Parts 1 & 2
2013Waterloo RoadJoe Mulgrew1 episode
2013Ripper StreetSuperintendent Constantine1 episode
2013Bob ServantRev Thomson2 episodes
2013FrankieAndy Peat
2014The VillageBill Gibby
2014, 2023Happy ValleyRichard CawoodSeries 1 and 3
2015Inspector George GentlyWalter NunnSeries 7 episode 1
2015New TricksCraig Bentham1 episode
2016Midsomer MurdersDes McCordell1 episode
2016UndercoverPaul Brightman
2016The MissingAdam GettrickSeries 2 regular
2017W1AClive Cook
2017GunpowderKing James VI & I3 episodes
2018Hard SunRoland Bell6 episodes
2018Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of GrindelwaldTorquil Travers
2019Gentleman JackCaptain Sutherland
2019ShetlandChris Brooks
2019A ConfessionPete6 episodes
2020IndustryClement Cowan
2023PaybackDCI Adam Guthrie
2024BoardersBernard6 episodes

Audio

Riddell took the part of Roj Blake in the three-part Blake's 7 audio drama broadcast on BBC Radio in 2007.