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The Ruth Rendell Mysteries starring George Baker and Christopher Ravenscroft

Once or twice in your life as an actor you come across a part that seems to be what you’ve been waiting for. Reg Wexford was one of these for me. I read the first script and I knew I wanted to play the part. I hope you enjoy watching the Ruth Rendell Mysteries as much as I’ve enjoyed playing Inspector Wexford.

George Baker

2023

Home, I'm Darling
Jessica Ransom, Diane Keen and Neil McDermott lead the cast in this thought-provoking comedy by Laura Wade about one woman's quest to be the perfect 1950s housewife.
Visitors
Christopher Ravenscroft is Arthur in Barney Norris' tender and uplifting play about family, hope and enduring love. The Watermill Theatre. 31 March - 22 April 2023.

2018

Colin Campbell 1937-2018
"Colin Campbell, whose best-known role was the lead in The Leather Boys, was led to Kensal Green cemetery by fans from bikers' hangout Ace Café in Stonebridge yesterday afternoon."

2017

Doreen Jones 1940-2017
"Doreen had a sharp instinct for the subtle chemistry that can exist between actors and knew well how players could spark off each other."

2015

Corinne Cartier 1955-2015
"Corinne's production, script editing and casting experience spans pop promos, over 200 hours of television and mini series; British indie features and American epics."
Ruth Rendell 1930-2015
"I have met many great people in my career, but Ruth stands out as a beacon for demanding things were done well and understanding that it's a team effort that delivers … though of course she was the star player."

2011

John Burgess 1933-2011
"Character actor who was an ensemble player to the core."
Louie Ramsay 1929-2011
"She was noted for her warmth, elegance and sense of humour, describing herself as a small woman with a big voice."
George's charisma made Wexford
"George made Wexford. If some other actor had played the part and hadn't had George's charisma, Wexford would never have become as well known as he did."
My View
"I keep being asked if there will be another series of Wexford. ITV wants more, but I have turned them down, at least for the time being."

2010

The People's Detective
Twelve celebrated fictional television detectives profiled in a six-part ITV3 series.

2009

Cash in the Celebrity Attic
Angela Rippon and the Cash in the Celebrity Attic team visit much-loved Inspector Wexford star George Baker in his beautiful country cottage.

2008

Christopher Ravenscroft at Theatre Royal Bath
"It is a treat to work with Peter Hall, a great theatre director of our age."
Drama Trails
A ten part ITV3 documentary series exploring connections between the UK's favourite TV dramas. In episode ten, Baroness Ruth Rendell takes George Baker on a guided tour of the House of Lords.
Profiling Ruth Rendell
A documentary series from Cactus TV featuring profiles of Britain's finest contemporary crime writers.
Wexford and Me
George Baker reveals his favourite Wexford titles in ten short films produced by Daisybeck Productions.

2007

George Baker receives MBE
"It was an extraordinary occasion. Peter Sallis was there, getting his OBE for Wallace and Gromit, and Zara Phillips was meeting her Gran …"

2006

Where Wexford Unwinds
A father of five daughters, Baker is married for the third time, to Louie Ramsay who plays on screen wife Dora Wexford.
Super Sleuths
A Documentary series produced by Free@LastTV. Features interviews with George Baker, Christopher Ravenscroft, Louie Ramsay, Mary McMurray, and Neil Zeiger.

2005

Wexford Wives
George Baker was once described by film director Tony Richardson as the worst actor in England.
The House in the Woods
"George is a real pro. He plays identical twins. One has been in jail for a murder that his brother committed, and he wants revenge. But we didn't pay George twice!"
The Tempest
"This is a very rich, packed play that has so many themes. But it all comes down to facing our innermost selves and making choices. That is what Prospero has to do."

2003

Coronation Street
Inspector Wexford star George Baker is joining Coronation Street temporarily.

2002

Tiled Cottage
"My favourite home is the Thirties cottage that I rented while filming the Rendells."
By George, an Affair to Remember
The book is in the shops, the cat is out of the bag, and George has no regrets - or at least no more regrets.
Unpaid Royalties
In 1992, TVS lost its ITV franchise and sadly, the rights to its programme library did not remain within the ITV Network.

2000

Harm Done in Production
"The story is really about abuse, not only the abuse of children but also the abuse of a wife by her husband, and the hurt causes to children and family."
I owe my life to Louie
For a man who has had harrowing surgery for cancer, TV star George Baker is looking remarkably well.
Wexford Returns
George Baker returns to ITV as Detective Chief Inspector Reg Wexford.
Wexford to hang up his trilby?
A Hampshire detective with a world-wide reputation for solving the grisliest of crimes could be on the brink of putting his ticket in.
Episode 23: Harm Done
Wexford is investigating the disappearance of a teenage girl when she suddenly turns up unharmed. Meanwhile, news that a convicted paedophile is being released into the community causes unrest among the residents of Kingsmarkham. Starring Simon Shepherd and Clare Holman.

1998

Episode 22: Road Rage
Environmental activists and Kingsmarkham residents unite to fight the construction of a new bypass road through Framhurst Great Wood. Starring Louie Ramsay and Jack Klaff.

1996

Ace tec is Back
The return of Reg Wexford after a three-year gap was always going to be special for George Baker.
I'm a bit of a fusspot myself
"My family say I get worse when I'm playing Burden."
Episode 21: Simisola
Inspector Wexford is contacted by his doctor and asked to locate a missing daughter. Starring George Harris, Ellen Thomas, Idris Elba and Jane Lapotaire.
Having the Last Laugh
It was while Diane Keen was working on the Ruth Rendell Mysteries that she fell in love with her husband for the second time around.
Wexford returns in Simisola
George Baker returns to ITV in the role he made so popular with the dramatisation of Ruth Rendell's latest novel.
I Need a Wife to Look After
"An enormous number of women seem to love me as Inspector Wexford …"

1995

Johnny and the Dead
"It's such a fun piece. It's got something for children of all ages. It tells a lovely story."
Little Lord Fauntleroy
Actor George Baker had to change his personality for his part in the BBC's new adaptation of Little Lord Fauntleroy.

1994

How Wexford found the clues to true love again
This is for real, and it's a love story that took the show business world by complete surprise.

1993

The Home I'll Share with Louie
George Baker introduces readers to the lovely home he will soon be sharing with Louie Ramsay.
Wexford's wedded bliss
TV detective George Baker made an arresting sight when he wed his Inspector Wexford wife in real life yesterday.

1992

The Four Oaks Mystery
Sherlock Holmes teams up with Van Der Valk, Taggart and Wexford for the 1992 ITV Telethon.
Wexford's sidekick prepares to pack his bags
He began as Wexford's strait-laced sidekick; thin, angular Detective Inspector Mike Burden, old-fashioned, conservative and bashful.
If only Grandma could be with us now
Wexford star George Baker travels to Australia to meet the grandson born days before his wife died.
Last chapter for Rendell's hero?
The end of the road is in sight for ruddy-faced detective Reg Wexford as he returns with four new Ruth Rendell Mysteries.
The Final Series
At Baker's side is Sarah, youngest of his five daughters and an assistant with the production team, who stands ready with a cup of tea.
Episode 17: The Speaker of Mandarin
Wexford travels to China and returns to Kingsmarkham to discover that one of his fellow travellers has been murdered. Starring Virginia McKenna and Norman Rodway.
Episode 18: The Mouse in the Corner
Wexford investigates the murder of a local farmer. Starring Elizabeth Spriggs, Katrina Levon and Victoria Fairbrother.
Episode 19: An Unwanted Woman
Myland Castle has stood for more than 900 years. Now someone—or something—is maliciously pushing cyclists as they ride along the path close to the castle walls. When one of the victims dies, Wexford employs Sgt Martin as bait to catch the killer. Starring Susan Wooldridge and Claire Woodgate.
Episode 20: Kissing the Gunner's Daughter
Six months following the chilling murder of Sergeant Martin, his colleagues are still no closer to catching his killer. Starring Jacqueline Defferary, Sean Pertwee, Steven MacKintosh, and Anne Reid.
Little things that remind me of you
Big George Baker will be smiling as he strides around his kitchen, wine glass to hand, putting the finishing touches to his Christmas lunch.

1991

Rendell's Fair Cop
Sitting back, relaxing in his mobile dressing room, Christopher Ravenscroft looks uncharacteristically cheerful.
Why George plans to say goodbye to Wexford
Since actor George Baker stepped into the sensible lace-up shoes of old-fashioned Det Ch Insp Wexford, he has won the hearts of many.
Episode 12: A New Lease of Death
Wexford's first murder case is re-opened after thirty years. Starring Peter Egan, Sharon Maughan and Dorothy Tutin.
Episode 13: Murder Being Once Done
Wexford is drawn to the case of a young woman found murdered in a London cemetery vault. Starring Philip Glenister, Michael Elwyn, Polly Adams and John Forgeham.
Episode 14: From Doon with Death
Margaret Parsons was a shy, unexceptional woman who lived a Spartan existence with her dour husband in a decrepit Victorian house. So why was she murdered in such a vicious and passionate attack? Starring Elizabeth Bennett, Malcolm Storry and Amanda Redman.
Episode 15: Means of Evil
When Wexford and Burden attend wholefood fanatic Axel Kingman's wedding, they never suspect that they will shortly be investigating the new bride's death. Starring Patrick Malahide and Cheryl Campbell.
Episode 16: Achilles Heel
Wexford and Burden are holidaying with their wives on the island of Corsica when Reg becomes fascinated by a glamorous young couple. Starring Stephen Dillane, Kim Barclay and André Oumansky.

1990

Episode 8: Some Lie and Some Die
A music festival is marred by the discovery of a body in a field. Starring Peter Capaldi, David Lyons and Gemma Jones.
Episode 9: The Best Man to Die
A young man is murdered on the eve of his best friend's wedding. Starring Tony Haygarth, Barbara Leigh-Hunt and Julia Ormond.
Episode 10: An Unkindness of Ravens
The murder of Rodney Williams reveals an amazing double life. Starring Norma West, Karen Westwood and Cheryl Prime.
Episode 11: Put On by Cunning
A celebrated flautist drowns in the grounds of his country estate. Starring Rossano Brazzi and Cherie Lunghi.

1989

Episode 5: No More Dying Then
An unsolved case, the disappearance of ten-year-old Stella Rivers, still haunts DCI Wexford. Now, one year later, another child is missing. Starring Celia Gregory and Simon Shepherd.
Episode 6: A Sleeping Life
Wexford investigates the violent murder of Rhoda Comfrey on a lonely canal towpath. Starring Imelda Staunton, Sylvia Syms and Mamta Kaash.
Episode 7: The Veiled One
Wexford narrowly escapes death in a car bomb attack, and Inspector Burden has to take over the case of a woman found dead in a Kingsmarkham car park. Starring Paula Dionisotti and Ian Fitzgibbon.

1988

Episode 2: A Guilty Thing Surprised
Wexford uncovers dark family secrets dark family when the body of a wealthy woman is discovered in the grounds of Myfleet Manor. Starring Michael Jayston and Nigel Terry.
Episode 3: Shake Hands for Ever
Wexford knows who killed Angela Hathall but will he find the proof he needs before the murderer escapes justice? Starring Tom Wilkinson and June Ritchie.
Episode 4: No Crying He Makes
Christmas in Kingsmarkham and one young mother is horrified to discover that her baby has been taken and replaced with another child. Starring Jane Horrocks, Clive Wood and Christine Kavanagh.

1987

Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Murder, they cry but where is the body? It is a case to baffle Det Chief Insp Reg Wexford, hero of 13 novels by top woman crime writer Ruth Rendell.
Episode 1: Wolf to the Slaughter
Wexford investigates the disappearance of a wealthy bohemian socialite.
A Man of many Talents
"I knew I had to play Wexford the minute I set eyes on the scripts."

1969

Candida Plays
A new national touring company has been formed by the actor George Baker.

1966

Never Dance Again
"I shall never forget the morning I woke to find tears running down my cheeks as though somebody had turned on a bath tap behind my eyes."

George Baker as Wexford