Kevin Whately, known for his long-running roles in British crime dramas, has taken on a smaller part in the new Channel 5 series Forever Home, an adaptation of Graham Norton’s best-selling novel. The 75-year-old actor was drawn to the role partly because it was filmed in Hexham, his hometown, and because his character, Silent Dave, has relatively few lines.

Whately, who rose to prominence playing Sergeant Lewis opposite John Thaw in the acclaimed Inspector Morse series, explained that the modest size of the role appealed to him after decades of intensive work. “I thought, ‘Oh, that sounds good, not many lines to learn!’” he said, adding that he did not inquire further about the character’s nickname beyond knowing he “doesn’t say much.”

Inspector Morse ran for 33 episodes over 13 years, during which Whately’s portrayal of Sgt Lewis earned widespread acclaim. He subsequently starred in Lewis, a spin-off series that ran for nine years and often attracted audiences of up to 11 million. The show also starred Laurence Fox and Angela Griffin, and was broadcast internationally.

Whately reflected on the demanding schedule and long hours involved in those productions, describing it as “working in a factory in some ways.” He noted the physical toll of six-month stretches of filming with early mornings and late nights, combined with the continuous pressure to learn scripts. Despite the intensity, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity and for not having to keep up such a pace anymore.

In 2015, at age 64, Whately stepped away from Lewis after matching the 33-episode total of Inspector Morse. He recounted telling ITV, “Kill me, because I don’t want to do it any more,” although producers attempted to entice him back by sending him to New Zealand for filming. He said that after many years portraying the same character, it felt increasingly unrealistic for him to continue playing a policeman at his age.

Whately’s early career included the role of Neville in the 1980s comedy drama Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, alongside Timothy Spall, Tim Healy, and Jimmy Nail. He also appeared as GP Dr. Jack Kerruish in Peak Practice. He acknowledged having been typecast as the “nice guy” or “Geordie boy-next-door,” but noted that embracing this has allowed him continuous work throughout his career.

Reflecting on his time with John Thaw, Whately described the late actor as a mentor and close companion. “He was like a big brother to me,” Whately said, recalling that their 14 years of working together felt like being part of an “old married couple,” due to the long hours spent on set.

Now at 75, Whately admits he receives fewer offers but remains pleased to be remembered. “I’m not a leading man by any stretch any more, but I do get lovely offers,” he said, underscoring his ongoing connection to the acting profession even in a reduced capacity.