Richard Shelton

"For the Arizona author, see Richard Shelton (writer).

Richard Shelton is an English actor known for playing the role of Dr. Adam Forsythe on ITV's "Emmerdale". He was nominated as 'Best Actor in a Leading Role' (Manchester Evening News Awards)for his portrayal of Frank Sinatra in 'Rat Pack Confidential' with stunning national critics. "Captures Sinatra's string pulling menace marvellously" - Michael Billington, The Guardian. "Shelton is phenomenal" - BBC. "Plays Sinatra with a near psychotic violence magnificently" - Charles Spencer, The Telegraph.

Other TV roles include Inspector Rossi in EastEnders for the BBC and Nick in Family Affairs.

In 2005, he recorded a big band swing album called 'Top Cat' at the world famous Abbey Road Studios which features the theme to Top Cat, performed in a swing style. He has also recorded an album called 'Retro Spectrum' of 80's pop classics in jazz.

Singing appearances include a private invitation by HRH Prince Charles at Windsor Castle, for Elton John at his 'White Tie and Tiara Ball', the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Children in Need and The Prince's Trust.

Richard has organised fundraising Big Band swing nights for breast cancer charities and the Motor Neurone Disease Association, raising tens of thousands of pounds. His connection to motor neurone disease is through his mother, who was living with the condition until 2006. [cite web |title=MND Association: "Ball celebrates the future while remembering the past" |url=http://www.mndassociation.org/news_and_events/news_room/press_releases/ball_celebrates.html|accessdate=2007-11-06]

Films include 'I Capture The Castle', 'Swinging with the Finkles' and 'Dog Gone'. His first major acting role was as a young Ebenezer Scrooge in the stage musical "" in the late 1990s playing opposite Anthony Newley as the older Scrooge in London's West End.

His very first acting role was as the embodiment of Death in the 80's low budget classic "Dance of Death" where he played a mysterious and evil black hatted dancer whose appearance and subsequent scary dance resulted in the rapid death of whomever it was witnessed by, a bit like in `The Ring`.

Richard writes motivational workshops for clients including Microsoft, Corus (British Steel), InterContinental Hotels Group and has presented many corporate events nationally and abroad.

Before becoming an actor, he worked in international marketing for InterContinental Hotels. His website is [http://www.richardshelton.co.uk]

Richard is currently part of the international tour of hit musical, Mamma Mia, playing the role of Harry Bright. [http://www.mamma-mia.com/inttourcast/cast_RICHARDSHELTON.asp?sec=cast]

In January 2009, Richard will feature as a guest singer on a UK tour with Strictly Come Dancing professionals, Anton Du Beke and his dance partner, Erin Boag [http://www.raymondgubbay.co.uk/displayEvent.asp?eventid=1158&sd=1163]

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