Everything you need to know about Barney Walsh: inside his career, family life and close bond with father Bradley Walsh

Francesca Shillcock
·2 min read
Barney Walsh attends a screening of
(Getty)

Barney Walsh is best known for starring alongside his dad, Bradley, in their hugely popular reality show Breaking Dad, but viewers have also seen a completely different side to him in The Larkins, Death in Paradise and Casualty.

Want to get to know Barney? We've got the lowdown on his career and family life.

Meet Barney Walsh

Barney, 26, is an actor and presenter who is swiftly becoming one of the most recognisable faces on TV. As well as his professional career, he's proud of his family and the bond between him and dad Barney is clear. The actor often posts pictures and funny clips of his and Bradley's antics on his Instagram page, @barneywalsh.

Bradley Walsh in his garden with his son, Barney
Barney is incredibly close to his father Bradley (Instagram)

His presenting and acting career

As well as appearing on the popular ITV show Breaking Dad, Barney has acted before. A keen actor from a young age, Barney has made appearances in various television dramas and movies including Doctors, Law & Order and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. He's also turned his talents to the West End stage and appeared in the competition series All Star Musicals.

More recently, Barney played Ryan Cook in a 2023 episode of Death in Paradise, and he's also landed a main role as Cameron "Cam" Mickelthwaite in Casualty.

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Barney's family life

As well as his famous dad,Barney is close to his mum, Donna Derby, and his sister, Hayley. Donna and Bradley wed in 1997 and welcomed Barney later that year. Bradley's mum is no stranger to fame, either. She even appeared in the video for Robert Palmer's 80s hit Simply Irresistible and has also worked as a choreographer on Miss World. 

Barney Walsh with his dad Bradley and mum Donna at the National Televsion Awards in 2017
Barney with his dad Bradley and mum Donna (Getty)

Inside the star's close bond with his dad Bradley

Bradley has often had sweet words to say about his bond with his son. Chatting on This Morning, the Doctor Who actor said: "He has always been my son, and you always take care of them. But then all of a sudden he becomes your equal and a work colleague, and a mate, and someone you respect."

He continued: "Now I look up to him. Barney, bless him, was directing me on some of the things 'Dad don't worry about this, you need to be thinking about this', and actually producing me."

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