Editing Craig Charles (section)

== Television career ==

=== Performance poetry ===
Charles first appeared on television as the resident poet on the arts programme ''Riverside'' on [[BBC2]] and on the day-time BBC1 chat show ''[[Pebble Mill at One]]''.<ref>[http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/07/02/craig-charles-returns-to-birmingham-for-the-mostly-jazz-festival-97319-28979805/ "Craig Charles returns to Birmingham for the Mostly Jazz festival"], ''Birmingham Mail'', 2 July 2011, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805032537/http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2011/07/02/craig-charles-returns-to-birmingham-for-the-mostly-jazz-festival-97319-28979805/|date=5 August 2011}}</ref> Charles was the resident poet on the [[Channel 4]] programme ''Black on Black'' (1985)<ref>"Craig Charles poet/broadcaster", ''Black on Black'', 1985, [http://www.search.digitalhandsworth.org.uk/engine/resource/exhibition/standard/child.asp?txtKeywords=&lstContext=&lstResourceType=&lstExhibitionType=3&chkPurchaseVisible=&txtDateFrom=&txtDateTo=&x1=&y1=&x2=&y2=&scale=&theme=&album=&viewpage=%2Fengine%2Fresource%2Fexhibition%2Fstandard%2Fchild.asp&originator=%2Fengine%2Fcustom%2Fgallery.asp&page=&records=&direction=&pointer=&text=0&resource=598&exhibition=445&offset=16 Digital Handsworth] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502004007/http://www.search.digitalhandsworth.org.uk/engine/resource/exhibition/standard/child.asp?txtKeywords=&lstContext=&lstResourceType=&lstExhibitionType=3&chkPurchaseVisible=&txtDateFrom=&txtDateTo=&x1=&y1=&x2=&y2=&scale=&theme=&album=&viewpage=%2Fengine%2Fresource%2Fexhibition%2Fstandard%2Fchild.asp&originator=%2Fengine%2Fcustom%2Fgallery.asp&page=&records=&direction=&pointer=&text=0&resource=598&exhibition=445&offset=16 |date=2 May 2014 }}</ref> and its entertainment-based successor ''Club Mix'' (1986), and he appeared, weekly, as a [[John Cooper Clarke]]-style 'punk poet' on the BBC2 pop music programme ''[[Oxford Road Show]]'' (ORS). Charles performed his political poems as stand-up comedy on the late-night show ''[[Saturday Live (UK TV series)|Saturday Live]]'' (1985–87) and on the prime-time BBC1 chat show ''Wogan'' (1986–87), where he performed a topical poem in a weekly feature. He also appeared as a guest on shows including ''Open Air'' (1988). Charles included significant acting in his performance style, enabling him to put the emotion across.<ref>Charles interviewed on ''The Steve Jones Show'', LBC Radio (London), 16 March 1989</ref>
In September 2015, Charles performed his "epic" poem ''Scary Fairy and the Tales of the Dark Wood'' live with the [[BBC Philharmonic]] orchestra, in a concert to be broadcast on BBC Radio 2's ''[[Friday Night Is Music Night]]'' at Halloween.

=== ''Red Dwarf'' ===
[[File:Craig Charles (03).jpg|thumb|190px|Craig Charles in 2009]]
Charles' first television acting role was the Liverpudlian slob [[Dave Lister]] in science fiction comedy series ''[[Red Dwarf]]'' starting in 1988. He was introduced to the show by ''Saturday Live'' and ''Red Dwarf'' producer [[Paul Jackson (producer)|Paul Jackson]], who wanted his opinion on whether the black character [[Cat (Red Dwarf)|Cat]] was a racist stereotype.<ref name=how>{{cite news |last=Pelley |first=Rich |title=How we made Red Dwarf |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/mar/05/how-we-made-red-dwarf-doug-naylor-craig-charles-bbc |access-date=15 October 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=5 March 2019}}</ref> Charles, who like all of the eventual main cast had no acting experience, was eventually offered an audition after begging Jackson.<ref name="how"/>

Charles has appeared in all twelve series, as well as ''[[Red Dwarf: The Promised Land]]'' (2020). Charles' younger brother, Emile Charles, guest-starred in the third-series episode "[[Timeslides]]", and the songs "Bad News" and "Cash" in this episode were written by Charles and performed by his band.<ref>Ellard, Andrew. ''Red Dwarf series III DVD boxset Collector's Booklet'', Grant Naylor Productions, 2003, pp. 8</ref> The role has involved Charles playing a variety of alternative characters, including a gangster, a cowboy and angelic and evil versions of Lister,<ref>Cantor, Carrie. "Red Dwarf Interview: Lager Lout Lister", ''TV Zone'', November 1993, pp. 8–11</ref> and in him carrying out a wide range of stunts, and acting involving special effects. All series, except 7 and 9, were recorded in front of a studio audience. Along with [[Danny John-Jules]] (Cat), Charles is one of only two cast members to appear in every episode of ''Red Dwarf'' to date.

Charles reads the audiobook editions of both the ''Red Dwarf'' novel ''[[Last Human]]'' and his book ''The Log: A Dwarfer's Guide to Everything'', and he regularly attends sci-fi, comedy and memorabilia conventions in connection with the ''Red Dwarf'' franchise. During ''[[Red Dwarf: Back to Earth|Back to Earth]]'', Lister visits the set of ''Coronation Street'', where he meets the actor Craig Charles.<ref>James York & Richard Luck. [http://blokely.com/entertainment/craig-charles-interview-red-dwarf-x "Craig Charles: Funk & Soul x Sci-fi"], ''Blokely'', 7 November 2012, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112004207/http://blokely.com/entertainment/craig-charles-interview-red-dwarf-x/|date=12 November 2012}}</ref>

=== ''Robot Wars'' ===
Charles presented ''[[Robot Wars (TV series)|Robot Wars]]'' on BBC2 (1998–2003) and Channel 5 (2003–04), from series 2 until series 7, which included two ''Extreme'' series and numerous 'specials'. Charles was the main host and presided over the arena in which teams of amateur engineers battled their home-made radio-controlled robots against each other, and against the house robots. Charles introduced the show, enthusiastically announced the results of the battles and spoke to the contestants after the main events. He ended each episode with a short ''Robot Wars''-themed poem. Charles' son, Jack, appeared on the show on several occasions, and was a contestant on "Team Nemesis" during series 4. Charles also hosted the ''Robot Wars Live'' UK tour, in 2001 and shows performed at the [[Wembley Arena]].

''Robot Wars'' returned to the BBC in 2016. Charles stated his interest in hosting it again, but the job went to [[Dara Ó Briain]] and [[Angela Scanlon]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Fletcher |first=Harry |title=Dara Ó Briain replaces Craig Charles as new Robot Wars presenter |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a782201/dara-o-briain-and-angela-scanlon-taking-over-from-craig-charles-as-robot-wars-presenters/ |access-date=15 October 2020 |publisher=Digital Spy |date=3 February 2016}}</ref>

=== ''Takeshi's Castle'' ===
Charles provided the English [[voice-over]] commentary for the [[Challenge (TV channel)|Challenge]] (2002–04) rebroadcast of the popular game show ''[[Takeshi's Castle#United Kingdom|Takeshi's Castle]]'', originally by [[Tokyo Broadcasting System]] in Japan. In each episode, between 100 and 142 contestants attempted to pass a series of wacky and near-impossible physical challenges to reach the Show Down at the castle against Japanese actor [[Takeshi Kitano]] for a chance to win large cash prizes. Charles co-wrote the programme and commentated throughout all 122 episodes of the four series, and also some special and "best of" episodes. He provided comedy insights into the contestants' abilities, which were designed to appeal to adult audiences, as well as younger viewers – and also coined the term "Keshi Heads" to describe fans of the show. A 2013 reboot narrated by [[Dick and Dom]] was not as well received.<ref>{{cite news |last=Warner |first=Sam |title=Takeshi's Castle is returning to UK television, but Craig Charles will be replaced as commentator |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a839650/takeshis-castle-returning-without-craig-charles/ |access-date=20 October 2020 |publisher=Digital Spy |date=3 October 2017}}</ref>

=== ''Coronation Street'' ===
In 2005, Charles joined the main cast of ''[[Coronation Street]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.itv.com/coronationstreet/lloyd-mullaney |title=Lloyd Mullaney |website=Itv.com}}</ref> playing a philandering taxicab driver, [[Lloyd Mullaney]].<ref>{{cite web |date=6 September 2011 |title=Corrie's Craig Charles on being romantic, ''This Morning'' ITV interview with Charles |url=http://www.itv.com/thismorning/showbiz/corries-craig-charles/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905075242/http://www.itv.com/thismorning/showbiz/corries-craig-charles/ |archive-date=5 September 2012 |website=ITV}}</ref> Charles introduced aspects of the character himself, making Lloyd a [[Northern Soul]] DJ and record collector, and funk music enthusiast. Charles has chosen funk and soul songs playing as backing tracks during scenes,<ref>{{cite web |last=Wright |first=Jade |date=27 September 2013 |title=Craig's a Soul Man at Heart |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/film-tv/liverpool-man-craig-charles-soul-6101371 |access-date=15 November 2023 |website=Liverpool Echo}}</ref> and posters for [[The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show#The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club|''The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club'']] and ''Red Dwarf'' have appeared in the background.

Charles portrayed Lloyd as tough, but kind-hearted and romantic, and the character was popular with viewers. Charles added a comedy element to the role, but was also involved in traumatic and emotional scenes with intricate storylines. In 2010, his character was involved in the show's dramatic 50th anniversary tram crash storyline, which was broadcast live. Charles presented documentaries for the show, including ''50 Years of Corrie Stunts'' (2010), which is included on the ''Tram Crash'' DVD. In November 2011, Charles took time off from ''Coronation Street'' to film a new series of ''Red Dwarf'', returning in April 2012.<ref>[http://futureradio.co.uk/audio/by/title/kate_roma_interviews_craig_charles "Kate Roma Interviews Craig Charles"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529090517/http://futureradio.co.uk/audio/by/title/kate_roma_interviews_craig_charles |date=29 May 2014 }}, Future Radio, Norwich, 27 April 2012</ref> In February 2014 an online mini-series, ''Steve & Lloyd's Streetcar Stories'', ran alongside the television show's storyline.<ref>{{cite web |title=Streetcar Stories |url=https://www.itv.com/coronationstreet/streetcar-stories |url-status=dead |website=Itv.com |access-date=15 August 2019 |archive-date=15 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815212933/https://www.itv.com/coronationstreet/streetcar-stories }}</ref>

In May 2015, Craig announced he would be leaving ''Coronation Street'' for ''[[Red Dwarf]],'' [[BBC Radio 2]] and [[BBC Radio 6 Music]].<ref>{{cite web |date=3 May 2015 |title=Craig Charles quits Coronation Street to head back into space with Red Dwarf |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2015-05-03/craig-charles-quits-coronation-street-to-head-back-in-space-with-red-dwarf |access-date=15 November 2023 |website=ITV News}}</ref> Lloyd left in a red Cadillac during the live episode on 23 September, although his final pre-recorded farewell scenes with Steve were shown during the following episode.

=== Other acting roles ===
Charles has acted in episodes of popular dramas such as ''[[The Bill]]'' (1995), ''[[EastEnders]]'' (2002) and ''[[Holby City]]'' (2003)<ref name="united"/> and in the comedy ''[[The 10 Percenters]]'' (1996). Charles played the emotionally disturbed and violent prisoner, Eugene Buffy, in the highly successful [[Lynda La Plante]] drama series ''[[The Governor (British TV series)|The Governor]]'' (1996); the title role in the Channel 4 pirate sitcom ''[[Captain Butler]]'' (1997);<ref name="united"/> the warden of a women's prison in the Canadian sci-fi fantasy ''[[Lexx]]'' (2001);<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oblongpictures.com/lexx/sfx77.htm |title=Lexx Press – SFX 77 – April 2001 |website=Oblongpictures.com |access-date=12 April 2012 |archive-date=24 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024104203/http://www.oblongpictures.com/lexx/sfx77.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Detective Chief Inspector Mercer in seven episodes of the BBC soap opera ''[[Doctors (2000 TV series)|Doctors]]'' (2003); and soccer agent, Joel Brooks, in the [[Sky (UK and Ireland)|Sky]] TV football soap ''[[Dream Team (TV series)|Dream Team]]'' (2004).<ref name="united"/>

=== Other presenting roles ===
Charles has presented children's television programmes, including ''What's That Noise?'' (1989) and ''[[Parallel 9]]'' (1992) on [[BBC1]] and ''Go Getters'' (1994) on ITV.<ref name="united"/> He was the travelling reporter for the highly acclaimed, but controversial, BBC '[[mockumentary]]' ''[[Ghostwatch]]'',<ref name="united"/> which tricked viewers into believing it was a live investigation into ghost sightings in a suburban home on Halloween night (1992).<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Roisin |title=Ghostwatch: BBC Halloween spoof that 'gave children PTSD' turns 25 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/ghostwatch-bbc-halloween-spoof-boy-suicide-tv-michael-parkinson-complaints-25th-anniversary-a8027231.html |access-date=20 October 2020 |work=The Independent |date=30 October 2017}}</ref> Charles presented the [[virtual reality]] game show ''Cyberzone'' (1993) on [[BBC2]];<ref name="united"/> the late-night entertainment show ''Funky Bunker'' (1997) on ITV;<ref name="united"/> the reality show ''[[Jailbreak (TV series)|Jailbreak]]'' (2000) on [[Channel 5 (British TV channel)|Channel 5]]; the discussion show ''Amazing Space: The Pub Guide to the Universe'' (2001) on [[National Geographic Channel|National Geographic]];<ref name="united"/> and the late-night current affairs chat show ''Weapons of Mass Distraction'' (2004) on ITV.<ref name="united"/>

=== Other appearances ===
Charles has appeared on celebrity editions of ''[[University Challenge]]'' (1998), ''[[Can't Cook, Won't Cook]]'' (1998), ''[[The Weakest Link]]'' (2004), ''[[The Chase (British game show)|The Chase]]'' (2012) and ''[[Pointless]]'' (2013), and comedy panel shows such as ''[[Have I Got News for You]]'' (1995), ''[[Just a Minute]]'' (1995) and ''[[They Think It's All Over (TV series)|They Think It's All Over]]'' (1996) and [[Keith Lemon]]'s ''[[Through the Keyhole]]'' (2014). He was a team captain on the sci-fi quiz series ''[[Space Cadets (game show)|Space Cadets]]'' (1997) on [[Channel 4]], which guest-starred [[William Shatner]]. Charles has opened [[The National Lottery Draws|''The National Lottery Draw'']] (1997) and his home has featured on ''[[Through the Keyhole]]''. Charles was a contestant in the ''[[Celebrity Poker Club]]'' tournament (2004) on Challenge, where he reached the semi-finals, and in the Channel 4 reality game show, ''[[The Games (British TV series)|The Games]]'' (2005), which documented the contestants' intensive training regime and each live [[Olympic Games]]-style sporting event.<ref name="united"/>

From 16 November 2014, Charles took part in the [[I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (British series 14)|fourteenth series]] of ''[[I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (British TV series)|I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s100/im-a-celebrity/news/a609383/im-a-celebrity-lineup-confirmed-michael-buerk-kendra-craig-charles.html |title=I'm a Celebrity lineup confirmed: Michael Buerk, Kendra, Craig Charles |last=Fletcher |first=Alex |date=11 November 2014 |website=Digital Spy |access-date=21 November 2014}}</ref> However, on 20 November, Charles left the series soon after learning that his brother Dean had died after suffering a heart attack.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/im-celebrity-star-liverpools-craig-8138833 |title=I'm A Celebrity star Liverpool's Craig Charles rocked by brother's death |last=Miles |first=Tina |date=19 November 2014 |work=Liverpool Echo |access-date=19 November 2014}}</ref>