My Critique of Chris Ellison
Christopher Ellison’s defining strength was a rare, authoritative presence that lent gritty authenticity to British television’s procedural landscape. As DCI Frank Burnside in *The Bill* and its spin-off, he created a lawman of complex, often morally ambiguous, substance, more nuanced than many contemporaries.
However, his later television output became increasingly sporadic, a limitation that ultimately diluted the impact of a formidable talent. Despite this, his memorable work remains essential viewing.
For modern audiences, Ironside matters not just for his commanding performances, but for the dignified resilience he has shown in continuing to engage with his public, even while battling aphasia.
Early Life
Christopher Michael Ironside, who would later be known to audiences as Chris Ellison, was born on December 16, 1946, in St Pancras, London. His early years in the capital fostered a burgeoning interest in the arts, a path he initially pursued through formal education in visual design.
He attended Wimbledon Art College and later Camberwell College of Arts, training to become a graphic designer.
Yet, the conventional path was not for him. Ellison sought experience in the wider world, first by serving in the Merchant Navy.
This period was formative, exposing him to a breadth of life and characters that would later inform his acting. It was also here that his passion for performance began to take root.
Before committing to acting, he worked as a minicab driver, another role that served as an unofficial masterclass in human observation.
These diverse experiences—from art student to sailor to cabbie—forged a unique foundation. They provided him with a deep well of real-world understanding and a gritty, authentic perspective that he would later channel into his most memorable characters, long before he ever set foot on a professional stage.
Early Career & First Roles
Chris Ellison’s entry into the performing world was a practical one, beginning as an assistant stage manager at Richmond Theatre. His acting debut soon followed in a production of ‘Woman in a Dressing Gown’ at the same venue.
The late 1970s saw him building a solid, working actor’s resume through guest spots on the iconic British television of the era.
He made early appearances on tough, contemporary series like ‘The Sweeney‘ (1975), ‘The Professionals‘, and ‘Dempsey and Makepeace‘. These roles, often as policemen or heavies, began to define his on-screen persona.
He concurrently took on film work, with parts in features such as ‘Rosie Dixon – Night Nurse’ (1978) and ‘Lady Oscar’ (1979). This period was one of essential apprenticeship, honing his craft and preparing him for the defining role that lay just ahead.
Major Roles
Detective Chief Inspector Frank Burnside, The Bill (1984–1993)
In 1984, Chris Ellison was cast as Detective Sergeant Tommy Burnside in the groundbreaking police procedural ‘The Bill’. The show, renowned for its documentary-style realism and focus on the uniformed officers of Sun Hill, initially used Ellison’s character as a recurring foil—a brash, ambitious plain-clothes detective from the rival CID.
Burnside was a bull in the china shop of Sun Hill’s more procedural world, and the character’s immediate impact was undeniable.
Ellison’s portrayal was a revelation. He brought a raw, uncompromising energy to the screen that felt distinctly different from other television detectives of the time.
Burnside was not a genteel solver of puzzles; he was a streetwise, often cynical operator who played by his own rules. Ellison masterfully conveyed a complex morality—Burnside was fiercely dedicated to justice, yet his methods were frequently questionable, existing in a grey area that made him compellingly unpredictable.
Promoted to Detective Inspector and then Detective Chief Inspector, Burnside became a regular character from 1988, and for five years, Ellison commanded the screen. His performance was built on a commanding physical presence and a direct, no-nonsense delivery.
He used subtle facial expressions—a slight sneer, a hardened gaze—to communicate volumes about Burnside’s disdain for bureaucracy or his simmering anger. He balanced this intensity with rare, fleeting moments of vulnerability, adding crucial layers to a man often defined by his toughness.
DCI Frank Burnside became a cultural icon of British television in the late 80s and early 90s. He was a divisive figure, both within the show and for audiences, which was a testament to Ellison’s nuanced performance.
The character redefined what a TV detective could be—less a heroic figure and more a flawed, driven force of nature. Ellison’s work did not just create a memorable character; it injected a lasting dose of gritty, compelling conflict into the heart of one of the UK’s most beloved series.
Detective Chief Inspector Frank Burnside, Burnside (2000)
The enduring popularity and complexity of Frank Burnside were such that, seven years after Ellison left ‘The Bill’, the character was granted his own eponymous spin-off series. ‘Burnside’ (2000) represented a fascinating evolution, both for the character and for Ellison’s portrayal.
No longer constrained within the institutional framework of Sun Hill, the series followed a retired Burnside working as a private investigator.
This new context allowed Ellison to explore different shades of the character. The trademark aggression and bluntness were still present, but tempered by age, experience, and his position outside the official force.
The series delved deeper into Burnside’s personal life and past, providing Ellison with material to showcase a more reflective, though never soft, side of the detective. He remained a formidable presence, but one navigating a world with even fewer rules than the CID.
Ellison slipped back into the role with seamless authority, proving that the character’s appeal was timeless. ‘Burnside’ served as a compelling coda to the character’s journey, affirming that his appeal was not solely tied to his police badge but to the uniquely compelling, morally ambiguous humanity that Chris Ellison had invested in him from the very beginning.
It was a masterful continuation of a defining performance.
Other Notable Work
While Frank Burnside remains his signature role, Chris Ellison’s career demonstrates a consistent professionalism across British television. He appeared as the recurring character Mr.
Wilson in the popular sitcom ‘Bread’ in 1986 and 1988, showing a deft touch for comedy. He played Charlie Elkin in the drama ‘Running Scared’ (1986).
Later, he guest-starred in series such as ‘Crime Traveller’ (1997) and ‘Judge John Deed’, and made a notable appearance in the BBC soap opera ‘EastEnders’ in 2007 as Len Harker. He also participated in lighter entertainment, appearing on ‘Fort Boyard’ (2003) and the celebrity edition of ‘Pointless’ (2017), endearing himself to new generations of viewers.
His voice work extended to a ‘Doctor Who’ audio drama, ‘The Game’ (2005), showcasing his versatile skill set.
Acting Style
Chris Ellison developed an acting style perfectly suited to the gritty, realist television dramas that defined much of his career. It is a style rooted in authentic presence rather than theatrical flourish.
He possesses a naturally commanding screen authority, often conveyed through a still, focused physicality and a direct, economical way of speaking that feels utterly truthful.
He excels at portraying complex, often authoritative figures, particularly those who operate in moral grey areas. His genius lies in his ability to balance overt intensity with subtle suggestion.
A hardened gaze, a slight curl of the lip, or a weary shift in posture could communicate a character’s internal conflict, cynicism, or hidden vulnerability more effectively than pages of dialogue. This naturalistic approach made his performances, especially as Frank Burnside, feel less like acting and more like compelling, uncomfortable observation of a real person.
Personal Life
Away from the cameras, Chris Ellison has led a notably private and grounded life. He has been married to Anita Joannou since 1979, and together they have two children.
The family has long resided in Brighton, enjoying a quieter life away from the London spotlight. Ellison’s artistic talents extended beyond acting; in 1989, he illustrated the children’s book ‘Otto and the Sea Circus’, written by his former ‘The Bill’ co-star Tom Cotcher.
In mid-2020, Ellison suffered a stroke, which was followed by a diagnosis of aphasia in 2022. This condition affects his ability to speak and find words, though his comprehension remains intact.
His wife, Anita, became his full-time carer, supported by their children and former colleague Mark Wingett. With characteristic resilience, Ellison has faced this challenge openly, advocating for greater awareness of aphasia and continuing to engage with his career legacy through interviews, demonstrating remarkable strength and positivity.
In closing…
Chris Ellison’s career is a testament to the power of a singular, unforgettable characterisation. Through his masterful portrayal of Frank Burnside, he delivered a performance that was both of its time and timeless—a gritty, complex, and utterly compelling figure that re-energised the police procedural genre.
Beyond that iconic role, he has remained a skilled, reliable, and deeply respected presence on British screens for decades. His recent health battles have only highlighted the same fortitude and authenticity he always brought to his work, cementing the affection and esteem in which he is held by colleagues and audiences alike.