Duncan Bell (actor)

Duncan Bell (born 16 January 1955) is a Scottish stage and screen actor.^[1] He is best known for his role as Sgt Dennis Merton in Heartbeat.

Television career

In September 2001, he joined British TV drama series Heartbeat as Sergeant Dennis Merton.^[2] The role of Merton brought back childhood memories for Duncan as he spent holidays in Scarborough, close to where most of the programme is filmed.^[3] In September 2003, Duncan became a father to a baby girl and left Heartbeat in July 2004.

He played Midshipman Clayton in the 1998 TV film "Hornblower: The Even Chance" (subsequently released as "Horatio Hornblower: The Duel" in the USA).^[4][5]

He appeared in series 10 episode 7 ("The Great Depression of 1994") of Minder sporting a ponytail. Also played the role of Lt Colonel P. Philips in series 5 of Soldier Soldier – (1995–1996).^[6]

In 2008, he appeared as a guest star in Foyle's War.^[7]

Stage career

His stage work includes Philistines, The Life of Galileo, Remembrance of Things Past (as Charles Swann, November 2000-April 2001), All My Sons and Blinded by the Sun for the National Theatre and two seasons (1988-9 and 1994) with the Royal Shakespeare Company.^[8][9]