Philip Middlemiss: The Powerful Journey of a Television Actor Who Faced Fame and Trials

A compelling biography of Philip Sean Lloyd, the Coronation Street star whose career reflects both success and struggle

Newsb 6 days ago

0 2 4 minutes read

Introduction

Philip Middlemiss is a well-known British television actor remembered for his unforgettable role as Des Barnes in the long-running soap opera Coronation Street. His career brought him recognition, popularity, and a respected place in British entertainment history. At the same time, his life has included difficult moments that tested his resilience beyond the screen.

Known professionally as Philip Middlemiss, and born Philip Sean Lloyd, his story is one of talent, opportunity, public success, and personal challenges. His journey shows both the bright side of television fame and the darker struggles that can follow a public career.

Quick Bio Table

Detail	Information
Real Name	Philip Sean Lloyd
Known As	Philip Middlemiss
Date of Birth	19 June 1963
Age	62 years (as of 2026)
Birthplace	Hartlepool, County Durham, England
Nationality	British (English)
Profession	Television actor
Famous For	Des Barnes in Coronation Street
Education	London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA)
Children	Two sons

Early Life and Background

Philip Middlemiss was born on 19 June 1963 in Hartlepool, County Durham, England. His early life was marked by a unique and emotional beginning, as he was given up for adoption when he was only ten days old. He was raised by his adoptive parents, Alex and June Middlemiss, in a supportive environment.

Growing up in northern England helped shape his grounded personality and connection to everyday working-class stories, something that later made him relatable on television. His upbringing remained an important part of his identity, even as he stepped into the spotlight.

Education and Acting Training

Philip Middlemiss developed an interest in drama and performance at a young age. His passion for acting eventually led him to join the National Youth Theatre, where many young British talents begin their artistic journeys.

He later trained professionally at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). This education provided him with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in competitive television and stage acting.

Start of His Acting Career

Philip Middlemiss began working in television during the 1980s, gradually building his reputation through appearances in British drama series. Early roles included shows such as Inspector Morse, The Bill, and Waterfront Beat.

These performances helped him gain experience and visibility in the industry. His steady rise proved that he was not an overnight success, but a hardworking television actor earning his place step by step.

Breakthrough Role in Coronation Street

The defining moment of Philip Middlemiss’s career came in 1990 when he was cast as Des Barnes in ITV’s iconic soap opera Coronation Street. His character quickly became popular with audiences due to his charm, realism, and strong storylines.

Philip remained on the show from February 1990 until November 1998. During these years, he became a familiar face across the UK, earning recognition as one of the memorable actors in the series’ long history.

Life After Coronation Street

After leaving Coronation Street, Philip Middlemiss continued to work in television. One of his major later roles was playing David Buckley in the ITV drama Where the Heart Is, where he appeared from 2000 to 2006.

This role showed his ability to move beyond soap opera fame and take on more dramatic television work. It also strengthened his reputation as a dependable and skilled television actor.

Other Television Appearances

Philip Middlemiss also appeared in the celebrity edition of Come Dine with Me in 2010, reminding viewers of his personality beyond scripted acting. His appearance brought renewed attention from fans who remembered his earlier success.

After a long break from acting, he returned to television in 2024 with a role in the BBC series Doctors, where he played DI Travis Lennox. This comeback reflected his lasting connection to the entertainment world.

Business Ventures and Challenges

Outside acting, Philip Middlemiss became involved in business ventures, including projects in Ghana such as a glass factory, a boutique hotel, and a theme park. These ventures showed his ambition to explore opportunities beyond television.

However, not all of these business efforts were successful. His financial difficulties became public when he was declared bankrupt in 2012, linked to losses from business and film investments. This marked a difficult chapter in his life.

Legal Investigation and Public Struggles

Philip Middlemiss faced further hardship when he was wrongly connected to an international corruption investigation involving Airbus and Ghana. Interpol issued a Red Notice, and the situation created major stress and disruption.

Importantly, he was never formally charged and was later cleared. Still, the experience deeply affected his personal and professional life, highlighting how quickly public circumstances can change for well-known individuals.

Personal Life

Philip Middlemiss has two sons and was in a long-term relationship with actress Alison King, who also became known for her work on Coronation Street. His family life has remained mostly private despite public attention.

While his acting career placed him in the spotlight, he has often maintained a quieter personal presence, focusing more on work and rebuilding after challenges.

Legacy and Career Impact

Philip Middlemiss remains best remembered for his powerful portrayal of Des Barnes. His role left a lasting impression on British soap opera history and continues to be appreciated by fans of Coronation Street.

His life story includes both positive achievements and negative struggles, making his journey a realistic example of how fame can bring success but also unexpected difficulties.

Conclusion

Philip Middlemiss, born Philip Sean Lloyd, is a respected television actor whose career reflects talent, perseverance, and resilience. From his breakthrough in Coronation Street to later roles and personal challenges, his journey remains inspiring and complex.

His legacy is built not only on fame but also on the strength to return to acting after hardship. Philip Middlemiss continues to be remembered as a significant figure in British television history.