Nick Berry

Nicholas Berry (born 16 April 1963) is an English retired actor and pop singer. He is best known for his roles as Simon Wicks in EastEnders (1985–1990), and as PC (later Sgt) Nick Rowan in Heartbeat (1992–1998). He sang UK chart singles with "Every Loser Wins" in 1986, which went to number one, and the theme song from Heartbeat, a cover of the Buddy Holly song "Heartbeat", in 1992.

Early life Berry started acting at the age of eight, and attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London.

Career Berry played minor parts on television, film and stage, until his big break playing Simon 'Wicksy' Wicks in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, joining the series shortly after its inception in 1985 and staying until the end of 1990. Berry's character was thought up overnight and had been scheduled to appear later. However, he was introduced to restore the cast balance distorted by the unexpected departure of actor David Scarboro who played the original Mark Fowler. Scarboro's departure meant many of his functions as one of the senior of the young characters would need to be taken over by another character and thus Wicksy was introduced rather sooner than originally planned and Berry was cast with minimal delay. He was quickly hailed as EastEnders''' top pin-up and during this time was besieged by fan mail from female admirers.

Berry soon took a break from EastEnders to tour and make an album from which the number-one single "Every Loser Wins" came in 1986. The song was heavily featured within EastEnders in a plotline referred to as The Banned in which the youths of Albert Square formed a pop group and performed the songs on screen. His wife Rachel Robertson also appeared in the series in small one-off roles. Berry's era ended with a one-off twin episode special showing his character's new career as a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officer.

In 1998, Berry left Heartbeat for the BBC One series Harbour Lights. Filmed around the area of Bridport he played harbourmaster Mike Nicholls, which ran for two series.

Berry's other credits include The Mystery of Men with Neil Pearson and Warren Clarke, Respect, Paparazzo, "Duck Patrol", The Black Velvet Band with Todd Carty, and playing the police officer Liam Ketman alongside Stephen Tompkinson in the BBC crime drama In Deep.

Berry retired from acting and ran his own production company called Valentine Productions.

Personal life Just before he joined the cast of EastEnders'', Berry fractured his skull in a car crash but went on to make a full recovery.

Berry is a supporter of West Ham United F.C.

Filmography Films Year Film Role Notes 1983 Forever Young Boy at school Party Party Ralph 1989 Tank Malling Joe McGrath 1995 Paparazzo Rick Caulker

TV Year Show Role Notes 1976 BBC2 Playhouse Carter 1 episode: Kites 1983 Dramarama Lance Boyle 1 episode: Rip It Up 1984 Dramarama Paul Walker 1 episode: The Purple People Eater The Box of Delights Pirate Rat 2 episodes: Where Shall the 'Knighted Showman Go?In Darkest Cellars Underneath 1985 Cover Her Face Tony 1 episode: 1.2 1985–1990, 2012 EastEnders Simon Wicks Series regular: 466 episodes 1991 Cluedo Ben the Window-Cleaner 1 episode: Charity Begins at Home 1992–1998 Heartbeat Nick Rowan Series regular: 96 episodes 1996 Respect Bobby Carr 1997 Black Velvet Band Martin Tusco 1998 Heartbeat: Changing Places Nick Rowan Spin-off video 1999 The Mystery of Men Colin Dunbar 1999–2000 Harbour Lights Lt. Cmdr. Mike Nicholls Series regular: 16 episodes 2001–2003 In Deep Liam Ketman Series regular: 22 episodes

Discography Albums YearAlbum detailsPeak chart positionsUK 1986Nick Berry Debut studio album Released: 1 December 1986 Second studio album Released: 9 November 1992 Formats: CD, Cassette The two identically titled albums are different.

Singles YearSingle detailsPeak chart positionsAlbumUK IRE 1986 "Every Loser Wins" Released: 13 October 1986 1 93 — Nick Berry 1987 "It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time" Released: March 1987 — — — 1992 "Heartbeat" Released: 1 June 1992 2 — 18 Nick Berry (1992) "Long Live Love" Released: 19 October 1992 47 — —