It's been more than two decades since David Paisley became a regular fixture on our TV screens in the hit medical drama Holby City. The Scottish actor played midwife Ben Saunders in seasons four and five of the long-running series, which aired on the BBC between 1999 and 2022.
Dedicated fans of the show will remember when David's character shared an on-screen kiss with Casualty security guard Tony Vincent during a crossover episode, sparking nationwide conversations about LGBTQ+ representation on British TV screens.
© BBCTwenty four years later, David is worlds away from his on-screen character, swapping his fresh-faced look and trim physique for an impressive beard and toned body.
The 47-year-old actor, who's also known for his roles in River City and EastEnders, often shares snaps of his tattooed, muscly physique on social media.
Taking to Instagram earlier this month, David showed off his figure in a mirror selfie while sharing an update on his love life. "Turns out heartbreak can be quite motivating," he penned. "Sigh. Another lesson learned.
"And yes, I need a haircut and beard trim," added the actor, adding the hashtags "#GymProgress #SingleGay #BrokenHeart."
David Paisley's TV career
David's TV debut came in 2000, when he starred in the Scottish TV drama Tinsel Town, after which he landed roles in As If, Casualty and Holby City.
Reflecting on the lasting impact of his groundbreaking same-sex kiss on Holby City in 2003, David told Attitude in 2021: "Even now, I get messages from people saying, 'That kiss in Casualty was the first time I realised that I was gay.' For people to recognise something of themselves in the characters I've played, that's a real privilege."
Since then, he has appeared in Emmerdale, EastEnders and River City.
© BBCAs for his stage career, David appeared in The Backroom at London's The Cock Tavern Theatre in 2009 and the comedy drama Jock Night at Seven Dials Playhouse in 2023.
David Paisley's life off-screen
When he's not busy filming his latest TV show or starring in a stage production, David is an LGBTQ+ activist.
In 2020, he set up the non-profit LGBT+ community organisation LGBT+ Glitterati! and received an Attitude Pride Award in 2021.
© BBCAs for his family life, David revealed earlier this year that he had become a father.
Sharing the joyous news on Instagram, the actor posted an adorable snap of himself and his newborn. "I wanted to share some personal news: I became a dad recently," he captioned the post. "The last few weeks have completely changed my life. Becoming a father is something I’ve hoped for as long as I can remember, and now this little human is here, I love them more than I ever thought possible.
"It's been joyful and I feel incredibly blessed and lucky. I’ll be keeping the details private, but I wanted to share some happy news," David continued.
"Many of my queer friends are parents and now that I am too I can honestly say it's the best decision I've ever made. Our child is so loved, and my heart is full."
