Five Fast Facts About British Soap Star Duncan Preston

Duncan Preston is a British actor who currently stars as Douglas Potts in Emmerdale on-and-off for over a decade. He also has appeared on EastEnders.

Along with his work on the British soaps, Preston has also appeared in shows such as Surgical Spirit, Holby City, and Peak Practice. From where he was born and raised to his amazing theater work, here are five fast facts about the actor.

Who Is Duncan Preston?

He was born on August 11 in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, where he was also raised. He became interested in performing at a young age and decided to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

First Role
The actor landed his first role as a teenager on the TV series Crossroads, where he played the character of Ginger Parsons. However, his first big role was as the recurring character PC Fred Pooley in Hunter’s Walk, a show he was on for three years in the early ‘70s.

Soap Career
Preston was cast as DS Todd in EastEnders in the ‘80s, but he only stayed on the show for a short time. He was then cast as Douglas Potts in Emmerdale in 2007 and stayed on until 2011. However, he ended up returning to the show in 2014, where he has remained a mainstay ever since.

Theater Veteran

Along with his work as a television and film actor, Preston is also a very accomplished theater performer. He has appeared in many shows for the Royal Shakespeare Company, including a production of Macbeth starring Ian McKellan and Judi Dench. He was also in a production of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Getting Personal With Duncan Preston
He married actress Susan Penhaligon in 1986, but the couple split in 1992. Then in true soap opera fashion, the couple reconciled in 1997, but they have yet to get remarried.