Tom Watt (actor)

Tom Watt (born 14 February, 1956 in Wanstead, East London) is an English radio presenter, journalist and actor. He played the role of Lofty Holloway in the BBC soap opera "EastEnders", but went on to become one of Britain's leading football journalists.

Career

A native of Wanstead, Watt studied drama at Manchester University where he directed several stage productions. One of his first television roles was in the comedy series "Never the Twain" in 1981, but his big break came in 1985 when he was cast as one of the original characters in the BBC's fledgling soap opera, "EastEnders". Watt played Lofty Holloway, the weedy, asthmatic barman of The Queen Vic from the show's inception til 1988.

After quitting "EastEnders" Watt combined acting with his second passion, football, by becoming a sports journalist. He has presented for Channel 4, Radio 1, Radio 3, Radio 5 Live, talkSPORT, and cable TV. He also writes a column in "The Observer" doing match reports and features. As well as the column, he has authored two books about football, "The End" and "A Passion for the Game".

Other acting credits have included roles in the BBC drama "South of the Border", a South London detective show; the role of Norman in the 1990 film for ITV called "And The Nightingale Sang", which was a love story set during the war; "Boon" 1992, with Michael Elphick; as well as a minor role in the 1992 film "Patriot Games", among others. As well as television and film he has had many theatre and stage roles. Most notably, he starred in the one-man show "Fever Pitch", based on the Nick Hornby novel of the same name.

He also produced, directed and presented the Channel 4 children's sports show, "Rookies".

Watt has also recorded a version of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues", which featured the UK band New Order. The single reached number 67 in th UK singles chart before dropping straight out of the chart completely.

Watt was the ghost-writer for the David Beckham autobiography, "My Side", which won a special prize at the British Book Awards and is the fastest-selling biography or autobiography of all time. Watt has continued to act and presents a regular slot on BBC London Radio .

He also features regularly on BBC Radio 5Live's Fighting Talk.

Personal life

Watt was romantically involved with his "EastEnder" cast-mate Anita Dobson, who played Angie Watts.

He is an avid supporter of Arsenal football club and he's also a committed Labour Party member and speaks for left-wing causes.

Tom has now gone on to Host Arsenal TV's Friday night Fans Forum a lively and ofton, passionate fans disscuision on all things Arsenal.

External links

*imdb name|0915020
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2005/05/04/tom_watt_person_profile.shtml Tom Watt BBC presenter profile]
* [http://www.wgazette.com/int-watt.html Tom Watt "Walford Gazette" interview]