David Witts

David Witts
Born (1991-06-30) 30 June 1991 (age 33)
Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England
NationalityEnglish
Occupation(s)Actor, model
Years active2012–present
TelevisionEastEnders (2012–13)
Recovery Road (2016)
Height1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
AwardsSexiest Male, Inside Soap Awards 2012 & Most Popular Newcomer, NTA 2013

David Peter S. Witts (born 30 June 1991) is a British actor and model, best known for his portrayal of Joey Branning in the British television soap opera EastEnders, in which he appeared from 2012 to 2013.

Early life

Witts attended Southend High School for Boys, where he first discovered his passion for acting.[1] For a number of years, he trained with the National Youth Music Theatre[2] and the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain. Following a short period of working as a barman, Witts appeared in numerous theatre productions, including Wild Boyz, The Wizard of Oz and Snow White during 2011 and 2012.

Career

2012–13: EastEnders

In May 2012, Digital Spy reported that Witts had been cast to play Derek Branning's son, Joey Branning, in EastEnders. Of his arrival to the series, Witts commented, "I am delighted to be joining EastEnders after being a fan for so many years. Joining the Branning family couldn't have come at a better time, especially after the recent British Soap Awards wins." EastEnders' executive producer Lorraine Newman said, "Joey is a fantastic addition to the Brannings and after an explosive entrance onto the Square, he is set to break a few hearts as he campaigns to bring Derek down."[3]

In October 2013 it was reported that he had decided to leave EastEnders. His final scenes were aired on 26 December 2013.[4]

2014–present: Theatre, Recovery Road and Manhunt

In early 2014 Witts starred as Link Larkin in a production of Hairspray at the Curve in Leicester.[5]

He appeared in the pantomime Aladdin at the New Theatre, Hull over the Christmas/New Year period of 2014/15.[6]

In March 2015, it was announced that Witts would star in the new American TV series Recovery Road, as Craig, with the series beginning on 25 January 2016 on Freeform.[7] In May 2016, it was announced that the show had been cancelled.

In May 2018, it was announced that Witts would making his West End debut in the hit musical Wicked, replacing Bradley Jaden as Fiyero from 23 July 2018.[8] Witts left Wicked on 20 July 2019 and was replaced by Alistair Brammer.

In March 2019, Witts appeared in an episode of the BBC daytime soap Doctors.

Witts appeared in the pantomime Cinderella at the Theatre Royal, Norwich over the Christmas/New Year period of 2019/20.

In 2021, Witts appeared in the second series of Manhunt alongside Martin Clunes. Witts played DC Adam Spier for four episodes.[9]

Filmography

Television
Year Title Role Notes
2012–13 EastEnders Joey Branning Series regular
2016 Recovery Road Craig Series regular
2019 Doctors Kyle Rhys One episode
I Ship It Luke Series regular
2019 Pride and Prejudice, Cut Liam UP TV
2020 Picture Perfect Royal Christmas Prince Leopold Free Dolphin Productions
2021 Manhunt DC Adam Spier Series regular (series 2)
2022 Accidentally in Love James Nicely Entertainment
Film
Year Title Role Notes
2024 The Beekeeper Mickey Garnett

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Result Ref.
2012 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Male Won [10]
2013 18th National Television Awards Newcomer Won [11]
2013 All About Soap Awards Forbidden Lovers (shared with Jacqueline Jossa) Nominated [12]
2013 The British Soap Awards Sexiest Male Shortlisted [13]
2013 TV Choice Awards Best Soap Newcomer Won [14]
2013 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Male Shortlisted [15]

References

  1. ^ Thomas, Emma (27 January 2013). "Eastenders star David Witts thanks former Southend High School for Boys teacher". Echo. Newsquest. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  2. ^ "NYMT – Where Are They Now?". National Youth Music Theatre. Archived from the original on 21 April 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  3. ^ 'EastEnders' casts Derek Branning's son Joey – also there would be a love triangle between joey, his cousin laure branning and lucy beale EastEnders News – Soaps – Digital Spy
  4. ^ Smith, Lydia (20 October 2013). "EastEnders star David Witts will quit Joey Branning role at Christmas – Mirror Online". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  5. ^ "Curve Theatre / Home". Archived from the original on 8 April 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
  6. ^ "Aladdin at Hull New Theatre Hull – Pantomime Tickets | Pantos from Qdos Entertainment".
  7. ^ Greenwood, Carl (8 March 2015). "Ex-Eastender David Witts makes it in Hollywood! Star joins ABC family drama Recovery Road". mirror.co.uk. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  8. ^ "DAVID WITTS TO STAR IN LONDON PRODUCTION OF WICKED AS 'FIYERO' FROM 23 JULY 2018". 3 May 2018. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  9. ^ "Manhunt The Night Stalker cast: Who is in the ITV drama with Martin Clunes and where have you seen there before?". Heart. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  10. ^ "Inside Soap Awards 2012: The Full Winners' List". Digital Spy. 24 September 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2015.
  11. ^ "National Television Awards 2013: All The Winners Including Ant And Dec, 'Coronation Street's Alan Halsall, Miranda Hart". The Huffington Post UK. AOL UK. 23 January 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  12. ^ "'Hollyoaks' leads 2013 All About Soap Award winners". Digital Spy. 24 March 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  13. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (18 May 2013). "British Soap Awards 2013 – winners in full". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 3 January 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
  14. ^ Wyatt, Daisy (10 September 2013). "TV Choice Awards 2013: List of winners in full". The Independent. London: Independent Print Limited. Archived from the original on 3 January 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
  15. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (21 October 2013). "Inside Soap Awards 2013 - winners list in full". Digital Spy. Retrieved 22 October 2013.