Steven Blakeley

**Biography of Steven Blakeley**

Steven Blakeley, born on February 26, 1982, in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, is a prominent British actor celebrated for his portrayal of PC Geoff Younger on the renowned police drama *Heartbeat*. Raised in the coal-mining town of Bolsover, Blakeley initially aspired to a career in medicine before discovering his passion for the performing arts.

His acting journey began with the Derby Playhouse Community and Youth Theatre, leading to professional engagements at the same venue. Blakeley honed his craft at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow and the Athanor Academy in Germany. He boasts an impressive theatrical repertoire, featuring national tours of works such as Peter Shaffer's *The Private Ear and The Public Eye*, and performances in classics like *A Midsummer Night's Dream* and *Peter Pan*.

In addition to his four-season stint on *Heartbeat*, Blakeley has made notable guest appearances in popular series like *Emmerdale*, *Doctors*, and *Holby City*. His radio work includes performances for the BBC and voiceovers for animated films. Among his accolades, he was nominated for Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards in 2006 and for Best Supporting Male Performer at the Off West End Awards in 2016 for his role in J.B. Priestley's *The Roundabout*, which he also reprised in New York in 2017.

Beyond acting, Blakeley has made his mark as a writer and director, particularly in pantomimes at the Theatre Royal Windsor. His recent appearances include *Coronation Street* and *Suffragettes with Lucy Worsley* in 2018, as well as an episode of *All Creatures Great and Small* in 2020. Currently, he also works as a civil celebrant and funeral director with A.Wass in Mansfield.