Neil Ashton (actor)


Neil Smith, known by the stage name Neil Ashton, is an English actor known for his wide-ranging, often comic, performances in television programmes, notably Channel 4's It's A Sin and Sky's Brassic.

Life and education

Ashton grew up as Neil Smith in Kendal, Cumbria, living above a newsagents on Highgate in the town. After leaving school, he became a fashion editor for teen magazine Just Seventeen.
His notable television performances include 'Grizzle' in It's A Sin and Davey MacDonagh in Brassic. He has worked several times with screenwriter and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies. Ashton's lifetime nickname has been 'Nelly' and this was the name of the character he played in Davies' Cucumber.

Personal life

Ashton took his stage surname from the Greater Manchester town where his mother was born.