Patrick Mower - My Story

In a rip-roaring career spanning 40 years as an actor, Patrick Mower has certainly made a name for himself. Rising to fame in the West End before finding further success in TV and film, his urbane sophistication and man-about-town image made him the epitome of style and established him as a national heartthrob. Now one of Britain's best-loved actors, he became well known for his off-screen behaviour - Patrick's life had been a rollercoaster of relationships, glamour and high jinks. This is a man who has seen and done it all. But, behind the image of a flamboyant charmer and jet-setter, lies a complex character shaped by childhood poverty and an alcoholic, abusive father. The deprivation of his early life and the lack of emotional support from the man who, instead of bringing him up kindly, drove him to attempted suicide, simultaneously motivated Patrick to escape such oppression and achieve great things, while also creating deep insecurities that fuelled the need to womanise for which he was so well known. In this frank and refreshing autobiography, Patrick speaks candidly of his exploits, while also assessing what pushed him towards behaviour that he was not always proud of. At one point he was dating 11 women at the same time, but eventually all the partying led to marriage breakdown. This is a story of a life lived in and out of the headlines, and of the colourful love life that ultimately led Patrick to take stock of himself. His wayward lifestyle is now behind him, thanks to his second wife, Anya, and his son, Maxim, who have changed his life. Patrick's current role as Rodney Blackstock in Emmerdale has earned him legions of new fans - once known as 'the man we love to hate', many of his characters have been 'bastards' and Patrick admits that over the years he has been a bit of a bastard himself. But this is no tale of woe or regret, it is the captivating and hilarious account of a man who has never known a dull moment, and who has learned from his mistakes, fun though some of them were! Packed with wonderful anecdotes about every aspect of life in an out of the spotlight - the celebrities, the parties, and some downright embarassing moments - as well as all the back-stage gossip from the Emmerdale set. A must-read for any fan...

Patrick Mower is currently in ITV1 soap Emmerdale but has been a regular in television dramas with a career spanning forty years.