Clive Standen

Clive Standen was born on a British Army base in Holywood, County Down, Northern Ireland, before relocating to Leicestershire at the age of two. He attended King Edward VII School in Melton Mowbray and later pursued performing arts at Melton Mowbray College. Standen's passion for stunts and sword fighting began early; at just 12 years old, he joined a professional stunt team in Nottingham, where he honed his skills in riding, jousting, and swordplay. Notably ambidextrous, he trained to fight with his right hand despite being left-handed.

By 15, Standen had become a member of both the National Youth Theatre and the National Youth Music Theatre, taking on lead roles in productions staged in prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. He furthered his education at the London Academy of Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where he completed a three-year acting course.

Standen gained recognition for his roles in popular series such as *Robin Hood*, where he portrayed the charming yet edgy Archer, and *Camelot*, playing the fierce warrior Gawain. His credits also include a lead role in the SAS drama *Zero Hour*, the Bollywood film *Namastey London*, and a recurring part in *Doctor Who*. Beyond acting, he was a competitive Muay Thai boxer and a fencing gold medalist. Married to Francesca since 2007, Standen resides in London with their three children, Hayden, Edi, and Rafferty.