EastEnders star Colin Salmon, who plays George Knight, appeared in court for speeding in a 20mph zone and became tearful as he explained his difficult family circumstances.
EastEnders actor Colin Salmon broke down in tears at court after avoiding a driving ban.
The 64-year-old, who plays George Knight on the BBC soap, became emotional as he told magistrates he has been caring for seriously ill family members and relies on his car to take them to vital medical appointments. The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant was facing a potential ban after being caught driving at 24mph in a 20mph zone.
Salmon appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court in south-west London, where he tearfully explained that his wife, Fiona Hawthorne, and their daughter Sasha have both suffered serious health issues. The court heard that Sasha was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019.
Magistrates decided not to disqualify him from driving, accepting that he needs his vehicle to support his family and continue his charitable work. The father of four pleaded guilty to exceeding the speed limit on Old Oak Road in Acton on March 31. A speed camera recorded his vehicle travelling at 24mph at 7.17am, close to the family’s home.
Salmon already had nine penalty points on his licence for previous motoring offences, including speeding on April 30, 2023, running a red light on February 27 this year, and driving without due care and attention on April 15.
He was fined £666, ordered to pay £130 in court costs and a £266 victim surcharge, and given three additional penalty points — a total that would normally result in an automatic six-month driving ban.
Bench chairman Mark Stollery said the magistrates had taken Salmon’s personal circumstances into account, noting that he is the main provider and carer for his family. He added that several family members, including Salmon’s wife and children, are living with serious and life-limiting medical conditions.
Explaining the decision, the magistrate said the family would face exceptional hardship if Salmon were disqualified from driving, highlighting their heavy reliance on him. The court also acknowledged his charitable work, which requires significant time and travel.
Addressing the court, Salmon expressed remorse for the offence, saying he was “embarrassed and ashamed” by his actions. He added that he strongly opposes speeding near schools and described the incident as “ridiculous”, apologising for letting down both his family and the people he supports. He told magistrates he has since installed a speed-monitoring radar in his car.
Salmon has previously spoken publicly about his wife Fiona’s health on Good Morning Britain, revealing she was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease and now relies on an oxygen tank.
Before joining EastEnders, Salmon appeared in three James Bond films as MI6 deputy chief of staff Charles Robinson and was building a successful career in the United States. However, he chose to return to the UK and take a role on the BBC soap, which is filmed in Borehamwood, so he could remain close to home in case of medical emergencies.
The actor, who plays former boxer George Knight, head of the Knight family and ex co-owner of the Queen Vic, told magistrates that his wife became ill while he was working in America. He said the opportunity to join EastEnders in 2022 allowed him to stay in London and be there for his family.
“They don’t provide cars, so you have to make your own way to and from work — it’s written into our contract that we must be self-sufficient in that regard,” he told the court.
Salmon has built an extensive television career, appearing in major series including Prime Suspect 2, Silent Witness, Band of Gold, Judge John Deed, Bad Girls, Doctor Who, Spooks, Death in Paradise, Arrow and Midsomer Murders.
He became visibly emotional as he explained that his daughter Sasha was diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer of the blood, in 2019.
Salmon said retaining his driving licence would allow him to continue his charitable work, which includes running a steel drum band that supports older musicians and women experiencing isolation.
He also serves as an ambassador for The King’s Trust, having previously held the role under the Prince’s Trust, and plays cricket for the Lord’s Taverners charity.
In addition, Salmon told the court he needs to be able to drive to a young offenders institution linked to HMP Portland, where he coaches cricket to inmates, as well as to HMP Oakwood in Birmingham.
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