Robert Horwell (born in Scarborough) appeared on Coronation Street in two roles: firstly as plumber Joe Bloggs in August 2004; and he returned to the programme as Nick Neeson, the biological father of Ryan Connor, making intermittent appearances between December 2007 and April 2008.
He has appeared in many other TV shows and films, including Soldier Soldier, London's Burning, A Touch of Frost, Maisie Raine, The Brittas Empire, Dirty War, Sons and Lovers and Holby City. He is also a well accomplished theatre actor, with performances at the R.S.C including Cyrano de Bergerac, Alice in Wonderland and at the National Theatre, Henry V.