Born in West Africa, Robert was educated at Cambridge University and qualified as a barrister before turning his hand to acting, since when he has worked extensively on stage and screen.

He has appeared in a number of popular television programmes but is perhaps best known for his memorable appearances as David Marsden in Cold Feet ,having appeared in every series to date. Other television credits include; Downtown Abbey, My Dad’s The Prime Minister, Dad’s Army, The Queen, Roman's Empire, The Pillars of the Earth, Hornblower, Kingdom, Goodbye Mr. Steadman, Joking Apart, Red Dwarf and the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. 

Robert's theatre work includes the one man play Alex which he performed in the West End and on world tour. In addition to numerous other West End performances he has also performed extensively at the National Theatre, Royal Court and Chichester Festival Theatre, covering roles by Shaw, Ibsen, Shakespeare, Coward, Frayn and Chekhov as well as playing King Charles III at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in America. 

Film work includes Whoops Apocalypse, The Thief Lord and Absolutely Anything. 

Aside from his acting, Robert was a judge of the 2017 Costa Book Prize and has made several contributions to publications such as; The Independent, The Daily Telegraph, The Tablet and The Sunday Times.

Robert is available for after dinner speaking and awards hosting