Актер Кевин Уотли дебютирует в британской опере после роли в сериале «Льюис»

Celebrities Entertainment TV Former Lewis actor Kevin Whately on his opera debut   By Charlie Yates Reporter 0 Comments Kevin Whately collected an OBE in 2025 (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA) This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. FOR millions of TV viewers, Kevin Whately will always be associated with some of Britain's best-loved dramas, from Auf Wiedersehen, Pet to Inspector Morse and its hugely successful spin-off Lewis. The actor, who was born in Brampton near Carlisle on February 6, 1951, stepped away from the role of Detective Inspector Robbie Lewis when the ITV series ended in 2015. However, retirement has never been on the cards. Now aged 75, Whately continues to work in the entertainment industry. In 2026 he returned to the stage in a new setting, making his opera debut at Garsington Opera, where he performed the spoken role of Dr Chasuble in Gerald Barry's adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. The appearance marks one of his most notable projects since leaving Lewis, and shows the Cumbrian-born actor is still keen to take on fresh challenges more than 50 years after starting his career. Speaking about the role, Whately said: "After more than 50 years in the business, I thought it was about time I made my British opera debut, so I was delighted to be asked to do it at Garsington Opera on the beautiful Wormsley Estate, where I've enjoyed several great productions in recent seasons." John Thaw and Kevin Whately star in Inspector Morse in 2000 (Image: undefined) Kevin Whately being filmed on Magdalen Bridge Oxford for Lewis. 02/08/05 (Image: Moselle Kennedy) Away from the screen, Whately has generally preferred a quieter life than many television stars. He lives with his wife, actress Madelaine Newton, and has spoken in the past about choosing a better work-life balance after years of filming demanding television schedules. His daughter, Kitty Whately, has carved out a successful career of her own as an internationally recognised opera singer. He also remains a popular figure with fans of Lewis and Inspector Morse - which ended in November 2000 with the melancholy final episode 'The Remorseful Day' - regularly taking part in interviews and events celebrating the long-running detective dramas. There is currently no sign of a return for Inspector Lewis. In a recent interview, Whately reflected on his relationship with former Lewis co-star Laurence Fox, who has attracted controversy in recent years because of his political views and public comments. Whately told the Daily Telegraph that the two are no longer in touch but acknowledged Fox's contribution to the detective drama, describing him as a gifted actor during their time working together. Whatever comes next for Whately, his enduring popularity means he remains one of Cumbria's most recognisable acting exports. Celebrities Entertainment TV 0 Comments Get involved with the news Send your news & photos