As the second series of Amandaland kicks off, we take a closer look at star Samuel Anderson's life, including his sisters' rare health condition.
Samuel Anderson's TV Career
Samuel Anderson is a familiar face on television screens. The accomplished actor has appeared in countless hit shows over the years, ranging from iconic sitcoms like Gavin and Stacey to BBC crime dramas such as Shetland. Currently, he plays Mal on BBC’s hit show Amandaland, alongside Lucy Punch, Joanna Lumley, and Philippa Dunne.
Born in Handsworth, Birmingham, to an Irish mother and Jamaican father, Samuel honed his craft at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in London. He landed the role of Crowther in the National Theatre's 2004 production of The History Boys, where he acted alongside future Gavin and Stacey co-star James Corden.
Since then, Samuel has enjoyed a stellar career, appearing in Doctors, Hex, and The Afternoon Play. Another notable role is Fingers in Gavin & Stacey, sharing the screen with James Corden and Mathew Horne. On the big screen, he starred in the 2024 Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black and The Lady in the Van, alongside the late Dame Maggie Smith.
Samuel on Emmerdale Return
Samuel also ventured into soap operas, playing police officer Ross Kirk on ITV’s Emmerdale. He made his debut in 2007, with his character attracting many women, including married colleague Donna Dingle (Verity Rushworth). When asked by the Daily Record if their on-screen chemistry spilled into reality, Samuel laughed it off, saying: 'It's nothing like that - we're not Emmerdale's answer to Kylie and Jason. Verity is my landlady!' The pair shared a house in Leeds while filming, which Samuel said helped their on-screen chemistry.
In 2009, Samuel left the soap. However, in 2015, he teased a potential return, telling the Daily Express: 'I loved Emmerdale... Would I consider going back? Ross Kirk returns from Newcastle to the village, I love that show, yes I would.' He also noted a negative perception of soap stars, saying: 'I don't think a lot of people understand that when you're an actor, to be working is priority first and foremost.'
Samuel on His Brave Sisters
Samuel keeps his private life low-key, has no social media, and is not known to be dating. In an interview with The Sunday Times, he revealed he has no children. He has two sisters, reported to be 45 and 39 last year, both with a rare condition caused by variants in the PRMT7 gene, leading to decreased muscle tone and severe developmental delays.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Samuel expressed pride in his siblings and made a sad admission about their childhood. He said: 'They're the oldest people alive with this condition. Normally I'm the most chilled-out person – good luck if you can offend me – but when I was younger, if people would give them a funny look or say something about them, I'd see the red mist.' He added: 'Now I understand it's a lack of understanding on their part, but then…'
Amandaland airs every Wednesday at 9pm on BBC One.
