Emmerdale’s Tony Audenshaw is known to millions as the lovable Bob Hope but he’s also got a very interesting life away from the ITV soap - not least being a frontman in a band.
Tony first started playing Bob Hope in Emmerdale back in 2000 with the actor appearing in over 2500 episodes. Bob was introduced as a hosiery salesman and love interest for Viv Windsor - played by Deena Payne.
The characters later married although initially co-star Deena wasn’t overly keen on Tony playing the part. Speaking to our colleagues at The Mirror, Tony had previously said: “I'm aware Deena didn't think I was right for the part at first. But we clicked early on and built up a great working relationship.”
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Viv was killed off back in 2011 and down the years the character of Bob has been involved in a number of big stories and romances.
Away from Emmerdale, Tony is a keen musician and works incredibly hard for charity.
Take a scroll below and find out more about the actor’s life.
Rock ‘n’ roll star
Tony Audenshaw fronts a band called White Van Man who tour and play lots of gigs.
Back in 2010, the band teamed up with acclaimed operatic singer Sean Ruane for an unofficial England football song to try inspire the side at that year’s World Cup.
The song called Viva Englandia didn’t really have the desired effect with the side crashing out in the early stages - although the song can hardly be blamed for the side’s poor performance.
Tony isn’t the only Emmerdale star in a band. We recently brought you details of Olvia Bromley, who plays Dawn Taylor in the ITV soap, fronting group Damsen.
We think an Emmerdale supergroup awaits…
Second Emmerdale character
Like quite a lot of his co-stars Tony Audenshaw had a bit part in Emmerdale as a completely different character before becoming fan favourite Bob Hope.
In 1996, Tony appeared in Emmerdale in the role of Acky - being credited as Antony Audenshaw. Acky was a security guard at Frank Tate's quarry and appeared in scenes at The Woolpack - many years before Tony’s character Bob pulled pints there.
Film role
Before becoming an Emmerdale mainstay Tony Audenshaw had a part in Ken Loach film Raining Stones in 1993 alongside Ricky Tomlinson and Bruce Jones. Of course, the latter will be known to Corrie fans as lout Les Battersby.
Other TV shows which Tony had parts in, before the soap, included Heartbeat, Prime Suspect and Brookside.
Dedicated charity fundraiser
Tony Audenshaw has completed ten London Marathons. In 2010, he broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest time set by a runner dressed as a baby, when he completed the London Marathon in 3 hours and 13 minutes.
His dedication has helped raise thousands of pounds for good causes. The star is also a regular host on the podcast Marathon Talk.
