Heartbeat stars have become household names thanks to their long-running roles in the popular ITV comedy-drama, which ran from 1992 until 2010. However, there are other cast members of the show that were just as popular despite being on the show for a much shorter time.
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© Photo: RexJames Carlton was on the show from 2003 - 2004
James Carlton, who played PC Steve Crane, was a solid member of the cast despite only being in the drama for a year. To celebrate the show being back on our screens, we've done some investigating to find out all you need to know about the actor below…
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James Carlton Heartbeat
The 42-year-old actor is perhaps best known for playing PC Steve Crane in Heartbeat – a role he portrayed for a year once joining in 2003. After being transferred from Manchester, his character Steve was assigned to take over as Aidensfield constable after Mike Bradley's promotion to CID. Steven was considered a hard-working officer who did his best to investigate things. His keenness in such matters and his good work as a result led to him being given additional work as a Community Liaison officer.
© Photo: RexJames as PC Steve Crane
Why did James Carlton leave Heartbeat?
In 2004, James decided to leave Heartbeat, allegedly to pursue other roles. Due to his departure, his character Steve was killed off after falling off a bridge. At the time, ITV put out a statement announcing his exit from the show. "Lead characters normally stay for around five years. But James stops filming in March and viewers will see his exit in May," an ITV spokesperson explained. "We're sorry to see him go. But we respect his decision that he wants to try other acting work."
© Photo: RexJames also starred in Emmerdale
What else is James Carlton known for?
Prior to playing PC Crane in Heartbeat, James was known for his role as Jason Kirk in Emmerdale for three years from 1999 until his departure in 2000. After Heartbeat, his other TV credits include: Casualty, Merseybeat, Cold Feet, At Home with the Braithwaites, Where the Heart Is, Doctors and Peep Show. However, it seems as if James has pulled back from acting, and now runs an almond farm in California.
Is James Carlton married?
Yes! James Carlton is married and he and his wife share two children together. The actor prefers to keep his private life out of the spotlight however, so not much is known about their family. But James has posted pictures of his family and their life in California on Twitter in the past.
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