Trivia

In July 2017, he was revealed by the BBC to be the corporation's highest paid actor.

The only original cast member of Casualty (1986) to never have left the series.

He has played the same character (Charlie Fairhead) on three different series: Casualty (1986), Holby City (1999) and Holby Blue (2007).

He has a twin sister, Elaine Thompson. In the early sixties they formed a singing duo, Elaine and Derek, and had a few records released. They appeared together in the film, Gonks Go Beat (1964).

Derek Thompson met his wife, Dee Sadler, when she appeared as Maggie, a cave explorer, in an episode of Casualty (1986) in which Derek plays Charlie Fairhead. Charlie rescued Maggie when she was trapped underground after suffering a fit.

When 11 formed song and dance act- The Thompson Twins and made records.

Married and divorced he has a son Jack.

His father was an engineer who played part time in a band.

1st professional appearance Belfast Opera House when 11.

Lived with his girlfriend Dee Sadler and their son Charlie.

Became an actor at 19.