David John Nicholls (born 30th January 1950 in Tipton, West Midlands; died 23rd June 2008 in Armley, Leeds) appeared on Coronation Street in five roles:
- Gazza Cartwright, who in November 1989 appeared as a friend of Kevin Webster and Mark Casey from the banger racing circuit
- Dog breeder Frank Worral, a potential purchaser of 6 Coronation Street when it was put on the market in September 1991
- Bailiff Gregg Allott who repossessed Doug Murray's Jaguar in November 1992
- Chris Jacobs, who appeared between July and September 2000 as Jez Quigley's henchman
- Buster, a biker friend of Dennis Stringer who organised a Biker's Tribute at Dennis's funeral in January 2002.
He also appeared in Criminal Connections, an episode of the Street spin-off The Brothers McGregor, transmitted in April 1986.
Leaving school at the age of fifteen, he worked as a wages clerk at the Beans Industries car parts factory from 1965 to 1966 and went on to serve in the army and police before pursuing a career in acting. Standing at 6ft 5", he was often cast as "larger-than-life" characters.
His other credits included roles in Boon, Emmerdale, G.B.H., Civvies, Band of Gold, Wycliffe, Coogan's Run, The Governor, Ivanhoe, The Bill, Heartbeat,The Cops, Queer as Folk, City Central, New Tricks and The Visit, along with the films Muppet Treasure Island, Gladiator, Highlander: Endgame, Crush and Gangs of New York.
Diagnosed with Mesothelioma in May 2007, more than forty years after being exposed to asbestos at the factory, he passed away at the age of 58. A verdict of death by industrial disease was later recorded at Leeds Coroner's Court.
