- Within weeks of leaving Children's Ward (1989), he was recommended by Coronation Street (1960) writer Russell. T. Davis (who was also a writer on Children's Ward (1989)) to take over from Warren Jackson who played Nicky Tilsley in the show. Jackson was sick in the middle of a 'crucial' Tilsley storyline. Richard was roped in and played Nick for 8 months.
- He used to host a comedy breakfast show called 'The Full Fry-up!' on BBC's Radio Humberside. It was a popular show where listeners could call in with their views on current events. The show was hosted by many fictional comedy characters that he created. He would often play his own guests on the show.
- He was adopted by his grandparents when he was a baby and grew up on a council estate near York.
- He is close pals with screen writer Kay Mellor. They first met when he was in Children's Ward (1989) when he was just 9 years old. They worked on Coronation Street together and later Band of Gold (1995), which Mellor wrote and produced. She has financed a number of Richard's plays over the years.
- In A Touch of Frost (1992), he played Inspector Jack Frost's nephew. Actor David Jason was so impressed with his performance that he asked him back to feature in another episode. Although the new episode was filmed over the course of 9 days in York, it was eventually scrapped and never made it on air.
- Granada TV came to his primary school in North Yorkshire looking for youngsters to play the characters in Children's Ward (1989), a new kids TV drama. He auditioned along with hundreds of other wannabe stars. Six months later, the shows producer called to say he had the part.
- Real name is Richard Batty, but it had to be changed because the surname 'Batty' was already registered with Equity - the actors union.
- Teaches acting at the Mountview Academy of Performing Arts and at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
- Left school after completing his A Levels in English, Theatre Studies, History and General Studies.
- He is also an established director and writer, having won a Fringe First award in Edinburgh for 'Best Original Drama' for his play 'The Bread Man Cometh' which documents the life of child killer Myra Hindley after her fictional release from prison. The psychological and darkly comical twist on the tragic events of the 1960s Moors Murders had religious groups up in arms.
- He comes from a big family with 5 brothers and 2 sisters.
- He spent much of his adult life in Edinburgh but moved to London to continue his acting career. 3 weeks later he was cast in a West End musical. He had never done musical theater before!.
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