Ross Davidson, one of the original cast members of EastEnders, died at the age of 57 in October 2007, just months after marrying his long-term girlfriend Barbara. He had been diagnosed with a glioblastoma grade 4 brain tumour in 2005.
From PE teacher to soap star
Before finding fame, Davidson worked as a PE teacher in Scotland and was an international water polo player for his country. He later quit teaching to run a pub and disco in Glasgow, where he developed an interest in acting and enrolled in night classes.
His first television role was in the 1979 BBC play A Degree of Uncertainty, followed by parts in Shakespeare's A Comedy of Errors and Widows II. He also appeared in TV adverts in Germany and Spain, and had roles in the 1983 film Pirates of Penzance and the Monty Python short The Crimson Permanent Assurance.
Andy O'Brien in EastEnders
In 1985, Davidson won the part of nurse Andy O'Brien in the original cast of EastEnders. His storylines included a rocky relationship with girlfriend Debbie Wilkins, helping troubled teen Mary Smith learn to read, and an affair with Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts, which was discovered by her husband Den.
After Debbie decided she wanted him back, the couple got engaged, but Andy was killed by a lorry just 18 months after arriving in Albert Square. Davidson was the first original cast member to leave the soap, going on to appear in stage plays and as a presenter on Daytime Live and Run the Gauntlet.
Later roles and illness
He also appeared in Brookside, Pobol Y Cwm, Take the High Road, and between 1999 and 2002 played Andy Morgan in Hollyoaks. In 2005, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had surgery, which was unsuccessful. He was told he had a glioblastoma grade 4, the most aggressive type of brain tumour.
Three months after his diagnosis, he married his partner Barbara. In July of that year, he announced his tumour was inoperable and he had 12 to 18 months to live. At the time, he said: "I was about to retire. And I was just thinking how life was treating me unbelievably well and then this cancer nonsense comes along and spoils everything. Thanks a lot. I've been killed off at least three times on TV. I've been rehearsing for this for years."
Death and tributes
Davidson died on October 16, 2007, aged 57, leaving his wife, his eight-year-old son Drew, and three step-children. His agent, Keith Bishop, said: "Ross had surgery three times. He searched the country for a cure and fought a brave fight."
His EastEnders co-star Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, paid tribute: "He was a good man with a great sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye. It's a great shame that he has left us after such a long and brave battle, but he always was a fierce competitor. My thoughts are with his family."
