Clive Rowe, best known to a generation of viewers as Duke, the warm-hearted chef and gardener in The Story of Tracy Beaker, has continued to build an extensive career across television, film and theatre. His most recent role sees him appear in The Hairdresser Mysteries, a BBC cosy crime drama starring Sally Phillips.
Based on Jacqueline Wilson's much-loved books, the BBC children's series followed Tracy Beaker, a fiery young girl living in a children's care home and longing for a family of her own. Tracy was well known for her temper, her troublemaking and her habit of telling people to "bog off", but beneath her tough exterior she was simply a child looking for somewhere to belong.
Duke was one of the familiar adults at the Dumping Ground and became a reassuring presence for Tracy and the other children. Clive played the character from 2002 to 2005, becoming a recognisable face to fans of the popular series. But there was much more to Clive's career than his time at the Dumping Ground, with the actor having already established himself as a successful performer before joining the show.
Clive's early career
Born in Oldham and raised in Shaw, Lancashire, Clive developed a passion for acting at a young age. As a teenager, he became involved with the Crompton Stage Society before going on to study at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
His career on the stage soon took off. He received an Olivier Award nomination for his performance in Carousel in 1992 and went on to win an Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Guys and Dolls in 1997. He has since appeared in a wide range of stage productions, including Sister Act, Kiss Me, Kate and Into the Woods.
From Tracy Beaker to Disney
Clive has also built up an impressive list of television and film credits over the years. Away from Tracy Beaker, he has appeared in programmes including Doctor Who, Doctors, Midsomer Murders, My Family and The Evermoor Chronicles.
Film audiences may also recognise him from Disney's 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast. Clive played Cuisinier, the castle's head chef, who is transformed into a stove when the household is placed under an enchantment. While Duke remains one of his best-known roles among younger viewers, Clive has continued to take on a variety of characters across television, film and theatre.
His latest role in The Hairdresser Mysteries
More recently, Clive has returned to television with a role in The Hairdresser Mysteries, a BBC cosy crime drama starring Sally Phillips. With a 1970s aesthetic, the series follows Lily Petal, a hairdresser who leaves London and moves to the village of Blossom Vale to take over a salon.
However, life in the village soon becomes more complicated when Lily finds herself drawn into a series of mysteries. Her position as a hairdresser means she is at the centre of village life, giving her access to plenty of gossip, secrets and information that could prove useful when crimes occur. Clive appears in the series as Lonnie, adding another television role to his already varied career.
