Ray Dixon

Ray's a decent guy. He loves being in the gym, the pub and the football terraces. Although Ray had a hard childhood, he was always loved by his grand-parents and mum. The two things Ray took from his childhood was a love of good Caribbean food – chiefly his nan’s recipes – and a special kind of optimism from his granddad.

• Nicknames: Alfie and Kim call him "Raymondo" sometimes
• Favourite food: Anything Caribbean and healthy
• Previous occupations: Was in the army
• Children: Morgan Butcher and Sasha Dixon by different women. Daughter Sasha likes blood and reading about murders. She wants to be a criminal pathologist one day

Ray joined the army, but not before he got a girl from his estate pregnant. Although he now sees his daughter as being the best thing in his life, he wishes her mother didn't exist. He's worked from city to city in various pubs, mostly in the kitchen - he's a great pub chef.

When it comes to the ladies Ray has no problems drawing them in, but he's generally been the love 'em and leave 'em type. He did start to fall for Bianca when they lived in Manchester, but he was cut out of the picture when Tony came into her life.

Now he's dedicated to getting to know the son he never knew he had - Morgan. And doing a spot of flirting from his job in the Vic.

Chucky Venn

• Chucky's big break came when he got the role of Curtis Alexander on Dream Team.
• He's also featured in Holby City, Footballers Wives and The Bill.
• Chucky's stared in Blockbuster films such as 'Bourne Ultimatum' and 'Batman: The Dark Knight'.
• In theatre Chucky's appeared in Olivier nominated hit plays and musicals such as 'Annie get your gun'.