Character & Cast

William Dorrit is the longest serving inmate of the Marshalsea Prison for Debt and is extremely proud of his title, 'Father of the Marshalsea', which is proof of how much respect he commands. In his deepest heart he knows that he's made an utter mess of his and his beloved children's lives, but he would never openly admit to this failure. For his sake, the family all keep up the pretence of respectability.

Tom Courtenay has an extensive film and TV career spanning five decades. He's appeared in many critically acclaimed films such as Dr Zhivago and Billy Liar. More recently, he's recognisable to a younger generation as Farder Coram in The Golden Compass.

He received his knighthood in 2001 for services to television and screen and is currently the President of Hull's AFC supporters club.

Read an interview with Tom