Derek Riddell is a Scottish television and theatre actor. He is best known for the portrayal of Richard Cawood in the BBC One television series Happy Valley. He is also known for Gentleman Jack, Industry, and The Missing.
Derek Riddell was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the son of teacher and former actress Hope Ross and former St Mirren and Berwick Rangers footballer Ian Riddell.
He graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a degree in business, before training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, graduating in 1990.
After finishing drama school, Riddell was cast in the BBC Scotland production Strathblair and guest-starred in a number of popular TV shows such as Taggart, Casualty and The Bill. His big break came in the critically acclaimed Channel 4 series The Book Group and the comedy-drama No Angels.
He became widely known for the portrayal of Richard Cawood in the BBC One television series Happy Valley. He is also known for Gentleman Jack, Industry, and The Missing.
Riddell has also worked in theatre productions.
His partner is the actress Frances Carrigan, and they have twins, Eve and Felix.
Riddell took the part of Roj Blake in the three-part Blake's 7 audio drama broadcast on BBC Radio in 2007.