Heartbeat and Holby City star Joe memorably waltzed to victory on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 after he became a hit with viewers and judges alike
Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden has been a friendly and familiar face on our TV screens for many years.
The actor is best known for starring as Raffaello ‘Raf’ di Lucca in Holby City, as well as for his roles in BBC miniseries The Crow Road, ITV’s Heartbeat and BBC’s six-part series, Sex, Chips & Rock n’ Roll.
ITV Loose Women’s Kaye Adams had to ‘reinvent Christmas’ as she opens up on devastating loss
Joe memorably waltzed to victory on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 after he became a hit with viewers and judges alike. Beyond his life on TV, the Scottish actor has faced years of speculation about his love life that he managed to keep under wraps until recently.
This is what we know about Joe McFadden’s life off-screen from his “soulmate” partner to his family loss early in his acting career.
Early life and career of Joe McFadden
Joe McFadden being fitted in his uniform for the new series of Heartbeat police drama (
Image:
ITV)
Born and raised in Glasgow with his two older brothers and younger sister, he attended Holyrood R.C. Secondary School. It was here that a drama teacher recognised his talent and recommended him for a part in the ITV detective show Taggart.
Joe enjoyed success on stage thanks to roles in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Rent and Rainbow Kiss at the Royal Court as well as Aladdin at The Old Vic opposite Sir Ian McKellen.
The Scottish actor eyed up a successful TV career with roles in Cranford, Sex, Chips and Rock n’ Roll, Sparkhouse and The Glass. The Scotsman later got a regular role as PC Joe Mason in the beloved Yorkshire police drama Heartbeat between 2007 and 2009.
Roles in Casualty and Little White Lies followed before he appeared as Raffaello Di Lucca in Holby City for 144 episodes. Viewers will remember he was shot dead at the hospital and Joe had to keep his character’s death a secret during his Strictly Come Dancing stint.
Joe has also voiced characters in video games, including Assassin’s Creed Black Flag and the first two Harry Potter games. Joe also featured on a celebrity version of Tipping Point.
Joe McFadden’s Strictly win
Katya Jones and Joe McFadden won Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 (
Image:
BBC/Guy Levy)
In 2017, the Scottish actor joined the line-up for Strictly Come Dancing. He previously told the BBC: “I’ve done little bits of dance over the years in the few musicals that I’ve been in, but they were more for comic effect than for showing off any dance prowess.
“I was particularly blown away by the exceptional standard of last year’s three finalists Danny, Louise and Ore.
“If I could have a fraction of their ability at some point then I’ll be made up.”
While he downplayed his dancing talents, Joe managed to beat Debbie McGee, Alexandra Burke and Gemma Atkinson to the glitterball trophy. He was flooded with messages of congratulations, including one from Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Joe McFadden’s partner and recent engagement
Former Holby City star Joe McFadden has revealed he’s engaged to his partner, Rob SmalesDon’t Miss
The actor has been notoriously private about his love life and has never stated his sexuality before. In September, he revealed he was gay and now engaged to artist Rob Smales, who he branded his “amazing soulmate”
Alongside a beaming snapshot of the pair posing for a selfie, Joe wrote: “Couldn’t be happier to be engaged to be married to my amazing soulmate, Rob. #loveislove.”
His love life had been the subject of gossip columns and tabloids, including links with actress Kirsty Mitchell. He previously described himself as a helpless romantic, with only his dog called Doug for company.
He told the Daily Record in December 2017: “I don’t know why I’m single. I must be unlovable, I don’t know. Who knows? Maybe I work too hard.”
Family heartbreak of losing mother
Joe lost his mother, Frances, to cancer in November 2008, which left him heartbroken. He previously told Daily Record: “Mum passed away just last year – she had cancer and had been ill for a while.
“She was very supportive of my work – I really miss her. It’s been a hard time for us all and I still find it so hard to talk about, to be honest.”
On Mother’s Day in 2018, the Strictly winner paid tribute to his late mother at a charity event. He commended The Beatson hospital in Glasgow and reflected on the hard work of doctors who cared for Frances in her final days.
