Nicholas Gleaves is a British actor and playwright best known for his performances in popular television dramas, including Coronation Street, Scott & Bailey, Bodyguard, and Riot Women. With more than three decades of experience in the entertainment industry, he has developed a reputation for portraying complex characters across television, film, and theatre.
Born on January 2, 1969, in Halliwell, Bolton, England, Gleaves is 57 years old as of 2026. Alongside his professional achievements, he is known for his long marriage to British actress Lesley Sharp. Their relationship has attracted public interest because both have enjoyed successful acting careers.
From his early theatre performances to his more recent television appearances, Gleaves has built a varied career. This biography explores his background, family, marriage, notable roles, career achievements, and the facts behind common online searches about his personal life.
Nicholas Gleaves Quick Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Nicholas James Gleaves |
| Date of birth | January 2, 1969 (commonly reported) |
| Age | 57 years (2026) |
| Birthplace | Halliwell, Bolton, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Actor and playwright |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Wife | Lesley Sharp |
| Marriage year | 1994 |
| Children | Two sons, reportedly Zachary and Gabriel |
| Education | Sharples School, Bolton |
| Famous for | Scott & Bailey, Coronation Street, Bodyguard |
| Recent projects | Riot Women, After the Flood |
| Net worth | Not publicly verified |
Early Life and Education
Nicholas Gleaves was born and raised in Halliwell, a residential area of Bolton in Greater Manchester. His upbringing in northern England played an important part in shaping his interests and early experiences.
He attended Sharples School in Bolton, where he completed his secondary education. During his younger years, he developed an interest in performance and storytelling.
His introduction to theatre reportedly came after encouragement from his mother. Watching live performances helped him recognise the possibilities of an acting career.
Gleaves later became involved with Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre. This experience allowed him to develop his acting skills and understand the demands of professional stage performance.
Unlike performers who become famous through a single breakthrough role, he gradually established himself through consistent work in different productions.
Nicholas Gleaves Acting Career
Gleaves began his professional acting career in the early 1990s. His initial work included theatre productions and television appearances that helped him develop experience across different dramatic styles.
His theatre background provided a foundation for the emotionally demanding roles he would later perform on television.
Over the years, he has appeared in crime dramas, political thrillers, family programmes, and established British soap operas.
One of his notable early television roles was Rick Powell in Playing the Field, a drama about a women’s football team. The programme introduced him to a wider television audience.
He later appeared in Scott & Bailey, playing Detective Sergeant Andy Roper. The crime drama became particularly significant because his wife, Lesley Sharp, was one of its leading actresses.
His career demonstrates considerable versatility, with performances ranging from police officers and authority figures to characters involved in complicated personal relationships.
Nicholas Gleaves Wife: Who Is Lesley Sharp?
Nicholas Gleaves is married to Lesley Sharp, an accomplished British actress recognised for her work in television, cinema, and theatre.
Sharp has appeared in several well-known productions, including The Full Monty, Scott & Bailey, and Before We Die. Her performances have earned recognition for their emotional depth and realism.
The couple married in February 1994 and have maintained a long relationship while pursuing their individual acting careers.
Their marriage has attracted interest from viewers who recognise both performers from British television.
Although they work in the same industry, they generally maintain a relatively private family life. They have not made their relationship the central focus of their public careers.
Their shared professional background provides an interesting connection, particularly because both have appeared in successful television dramas.
Nicholas Gleaves and Lesley Sharp Wedding
The wedding of Nicholas Gleaves and Lesley Sharp took place in 1994, marking the beginning of a marriage that has lasted more than three decades.
Their relationship is notable in an industry where public attention can place considerable pressure on personal lives.
However, detailed information about their wedding ceremony, including the venue, guest list, and celebrations, is not widely documented in reliable public sources.
Rather than focusing on unverified wedding details, their lasting partnership provides a more meaningful part of their biography.
As of 2026, their marriage has lasted approximately 32 years.
Nicholas Gleaves Children and Family Life
Nicholas Gleaves and Lesley Sharp have two sons. Their names are commonly reported as Zachary Gleaves and Gabriel Gleaves.
Some secondary biography websites also provide birth years for their children, although these details are not consistently supported by authoritative sources.
The couple have generally protected their sons from unnecessary public attention. Consequently, limited verified information is available about their education, occupations, or personal relationships.
Despite their visibility in the entertainment industry, Gleaves and Sharp have maintained boundaries between their professional achievements and family life.
Their approach allows their children to enjoy a degree of privacy while their parents continue working in television and theatre.
Nicholas Gleaves Movies and TV Shows
Nicholas Gleaves has accumulated numerous acting credits throughout his career. His filmography includes British television dramas, international productions, and feature films.
Some of his notable appearances include:
| Year | Production | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1998–2002 | Playing the Field | Rick Powell |
| 2006 | Half Light | Dr. Robert Freedman |
| 2006 | Starter for 10 | Supporting role |
| 2010 | Chatroom | Paul |
| 2011–2012 | Scott & Bailey | DS Andy Roper |
| 2018 | Bodyguard | Roger Penhaligon |
| 2018–2019 | Coronation Street | Duncan Radfield |
| 2019 | The Demon Headmaster | The Headmaster |
| 2019 | Spider-Man: Far From Home | Guterman |
| 2022 | The Rising | William Wyatt |
| 2022 | The Crown | John Birt |
| 2024 onward | After the Flood | Sergeant Phil Mackie |
| 2025 | Riot Women | Tony |
His involvement in both British and international productions demonstrates the breadth of his professional experience.
Nicholas Gleaves in Coronation Street
One of Gleaves’ memorable television appearances came through the ITV soap opera Coronation Street.
He portrayed Duncan Radfield between 2018 and 2019. The character became involved in a storyline concerning financial deception and the manipulation of other characters.
Duncan’s actions created tension within the programme and contributed to a dramatic sequence of events.
Gleaves brought experience from earlier crime dramas to the role, helping establish Duncan as a convincing character within the storyline.
His appearance in Coronation Street introduced his work to viewers who may not have been familiar with his previous television performances.
Nicholas Gleaves in Riot Women
In 2025, Nicholas Gleaves appeared in the BBC drama Riot Women, created by acclaimed television writer Sally Wainwright.
The series follows a group of women who form a punk-rock band while navigating relationships, personal difficulties, and the challenges of middle age.
Gleaves plays Tony, a police sergeant connected to the character Holly Gaskell, portrayed by Tamsin Greig.
The programme combines humour, music, and emotional storytelling. Its themes include friendship, identity, independence, and changing personal circumstances.
His participation in the series demonstrates his continued involvement in contemporary British television productions.
Nicholas Gleaves Net Worth and Earnings
Nicholas Gleaves has worked professionally as an actor for more than 30 years. His career includes television dramas, feature films, and theatre productions.
These activities have provided different sources of professional income throughout his career.
However, his exact net worth has not been publicly confirmed through reliable financial records.
Some entertainment websites publish estimated figures, but these amounts often lack supporting evidence.
Therefore, it would be misleading to present a particular figure as his verified wealth.
His long career and continued acting opportunities provide a clearer indication of his professional success than speculative financial estimates.
Weight Loss: Lesley Sharp and Nicholas Gleaves
Online searches occasionally connect Nicholas Gleaves and Lesley Sharp with questions about weight loss and physical appearance.
However, there is no sufficiently reliable public evidence establishing that the couple followed a particular weight-loss programme together.
Similarly, no verified information confirms specific weight-loss amounts, medical treatments, or diet plans.
Changes in an actor’s appearance can occur for many reasons, including ageing, styling, lighting, and the demands of individual roles.
Without direct confirmation, it is inappropriate to associate either performer with a particular health condition or weight-loss treatment.
Their professional accomplishments remain much better documented than speculation about their physical appearance.
Nicholas Gleaves’ Career and Life in 2026
At 57, Nicholas Gleaves remains associated with a substantial body of work in British entertainment.
His recent credits, including After the Flood and Riot Women, illustrate his ability to remain relevant in an evolving television industry.
His experience across different genres has allowed him to portray characters with varying personalities, responsibilities, and motivations.
Alongside his professional career, his longstanding marriage to Lesley Sharp continues to attract interest from audiences.
Although he does not regularly share extensive details about his private life, his television performances provide an accessible record of his achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Nicholas Gleaves?
Nicholas Gleaves was reportedly born on January 2, 1969, making him 57 years old in November 2026.
Who is Nicholas Gleaves’ wife?
He is married to British actress Lesley Sharp. The couple married in February 1994.
How many children does Nicholas Gleaves have?
He has two sons with Lesley Sharp, commonly identified as Zachary and Gabriel.
What character did Nicholas Gleaves play in Coronation Street?
He portrayed Duncan Radfield in the ITV soap opera between 2018 and 2019.
What is Nicholas Gleaves’ net worth?
His exact net worth has not been independently verified. Published online estimates should therefore be treated cautiously.
Conclusion
Nicholas Gleaves has built a respected acting career through consistent performances in British television, film, and theatre. From Playing the Field and Scott & Bailey to Coronation Street, Bodyguard, and Riot Women, his work reflects his versatility and professional experience.
Beyond acting, his marriage to Lesley Sharp and their family life remain important aspects of his personal story. While some online claims about his wealth and appearance remain unverified, his career achievements are well established. For more informative celebrity biographies, entertainment updates, and television features, readers can explore News Sora.
