Freddie Fletcher

Freddie Fletcher, hailing from Grimethorpe, is a notable actor recognized primarily for his portrayal of Jud Casper, the menacing brother in Ken Loach's iconic 1969 film *Kes*. Before stepping into the world of acting, Fletcher had no formal experience; he was employed as a painter and decorator. However, the success of *Kes* opened the door to a variety of television opportunities.

One of his most memorable roles was that of Raymond Shepherd, the slacker son in the beloved comedy series *Queenie's Castle*, featuring Diana Dors. His impressive range led him to appearances in popular shows such as *Coronation Street*, *Emmerdale*, *All Creatures Great and Small*, *Children's Ward*, and *Heartbeat*. In addition, Fletcher worked on four episodes of *Play for Today* and featured in Jack Rosenthal's productions, including *Another Sunday* and *Sweet F.A.*, as well as the 1974 thriller *Juggernaut*.

Fletcher's final acting credit came in 1996, when he played Judd the barman in the film *When Saturday Comes*, which starred Sean Bean, who had recommended him for the role. Today, Fletcher continues to reside in Grimethorpe with his wife, Joy, who previously served as the non-teaching Head of Year at Willowgarth School.