Oliver Stokes, who played cheeky Michael Garvey in the ITV sitcom Benidorm, has turned his back on acting. Now 28, he spends his days as a father to his son Archie and runs a fish bait company called Active Baits.
From child star to businessman
Stokes appeared in Benidorm from its first episode in 2007 until 2015, playing the son of Janice and Mick Garvey from Manchester. He also had roles in Heartbeat and as Nigel Clough in the 2009 film The Damned United.
His Instagram suggests a link to Archie Doors & Glazing, a company fitting composite and UPVC doors, windows, glazing and accessories. He now enjoys fishing, hiking, camping and the outdoors with his son.
Reflecting on his TV past
Speaking on Loose Women, Stokes said: "At the time it just felt normal; at first it was all so new to me. At that age, I had loads of confidence, and it felt natural."
He added: "After a few years you get used to it, and it’s just life… There were a lot of jokes I didn’t fully understand, but I just laughed along because everyone else was laughing."
Why he quit acting
Explaining his decision, he said: "I sort of took a step back away from it. Once we were written out, I felt I was at an age where all my friends were doing things that I wouldn’t be able to do if I was on the show."
He joked: "I took a few years away and had a child as well. That sort of got in the way as well. Did you know you don’t get paid to be a parent."
Stokes has described having his son as "literally the best thing that has ever happened to me" and said he "wouldn't change it for a thing". He continues to share his life on social media but has no plans to return to TV.
