EastEnders actor Colin Salmon has avoided a driving ban after being caught speeding, expressing gratitude for the 'compassion' shown by the court. The 62-year-old, who plays George Knight on the BBC soap, was fined for accumulating nine penalty points within seven weeks, all within half a mile of his home in London.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on New Year's Day, Salmon apologised and acknowledged the 20mph speed limit has improved quality of life in London. He said the court weighed up his 'extraordinary circumstances'—understood to relate to his wife's health issues—and showed understanding. 'I hold my hands up, take full responsibility & apologise,' he wrote.
Salmon has been married to visual artist Fiona Hawthorne since 1988, and they have four children. Fiona suffers from interstitial lung disease, a rare condition that requires her to use an oxygen tank. The actor previously said he took the EastEnders role partly because he 'can't be far from home' due to his wife's illness.
Salmon is best known for playing MI6 deputy chief Charles Robinson in three James Bond films: Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, and Die Another Day. He joined EastEnders in 2023, and his character George has been involved in dramatic storylines including a split from wife Elaine Peacock and an affair with Nicola Mitchell.
