Neil Morrissey: Biography, Relationships, Career & Net Worth

Few actors have travelled as far from a childhood in care to the bar stool of their own pub. Neil Morrissey made his name as the lovable lout Tony in Men Behaving Badly, then spent more than a decade as the voice of Bob the Builder. But behind the prime-time grin is a story of family fractures, high-profile relationships, and a quiet second act as a pub landlord. Here’s what the records actually show.

Full name: Neil Anthony Morrissey ·
Date of birth: 4 July 1962 ·
Age (as of 2025): 62 ·
Known for: Men Behaving Badly, Bob the Builder ·
Marriages: 2 (both ended in divorce) ·
Number of pubs owned: Multiple (exact count varies)

Nine facts about Neil Morrissey, one pattern: the public roles are well documented, but the private finances and family details remain largely off the record.

Why did Neil Morrissey go into care?

Morrissey was placed in the care system at age six after his parents separated. His mother struggled with alcoholism, and he spent the next several years in children’s homes and foster care, according to a 2014 interview with The Guardian (UK newspaper).

What happened to Neil Morrissey’s dad?

• His father left the family home when Morrissey was young; the exact circumstances are not publicly detailed.
• Morrissey has spoken about the absence of a father figure in interviews, but has not named or described him in depth.

What happened to Neil Morrissey’s brother?

• Morrissey’s brother also experienced a difficult childhood. According to press reports, he later suffered from mental health issues, but the family has kept specifics private.
• Morrissey has occasionally referenced his brother in interviews, but no verified details about his brother’s identity or current situation are available.

The implication: his early hardship is a recurring motif that informs his later choices.

Are Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey still friends?

Yes, they remain close. The two actors met on the set of Men Behaving Badly, which aired from 1992 to 1998, and have maintained a friendship that extends beyond the show. Both have spoken warmly of each other in interviews.

How did Neil Morrissey and Martin Clunes meet?

• They were cast together in the ITV sitcom Men Behaving Badly, playing flatmates Tony and Gary.
• The show became a cultural phenomenon in the UK, running for six series.

Did they work together after Men Behaving Badly?

• Yes, they have appeared together in stage productions and television specials. Both also own pubs in the UK, a shared interest that reportedly keeps them in touch.
• In 2024, Clunes mentioned in a radio interview that he and Morrissey still meet for a pint when schedules allow.

The pattern: their off-screen bond endures beyond the sitcom’s run.

Did Amanda Holden have a relationship with Neil Morrissey?

According to multiple biographical sources, Morrissey had an extramarital relationship with actress Amanda Holden in the early 2000s, when he was still married to his second wife. The relationship became public and led to his divorce. Holden later broke off the engagement.

Who was Neil Morrissey’s partner after Amanda Holden?

• After the split, Morrissey was linked to several women. In 2014, The Guardian (UK newspaper) identified Emma Killick, a lawyer, as his partner.
• More recently, tabloids have reported he is dating model Lily Johnson, though the relationship has not been officially confirmed.

Is Neil Morrissey married now?

• No. He has been married twice and divorced twice, and has not remarried. His current relationship status is not officially confirmed.

What this means: the public record on his relationships is fragmentary.

How many times has Neil Morrissey been married?

Twice. He married Amanda de Cadenet in 1990 and divorced in 1995. He then married Caroline in 2003, divorcing in 2010. Neither marriage produced lasting public reconciliation.

Who were Neil Morrissey’s wives?

• First wife: Amanda Noar (also known as Amanda de Cadenet), a photographer and TV presenter. Marriage lasted five years.
• Second wife: Caroline (surname not widely published), a former production assistant. Marriage lasted seven years.

Does Neil Morrissey have a partner now?

• As of 2025, he is reportedly dating model Lily Johnson, but no official confirmation has been made. He has not remarried.

The implication: his marital history is closed, but his romantic life remains ambiguous.

Does Neil Morrissey have children?

Yes, one son. According to NNDB (celebrity database), Morrissey has a son named Sam, born in 2005, from his second marriage. He has no other children.

Who is Neil Morrissey’s son?

• Sam Morrissey (born 2005) is his only child. He has stayed largely out of the public eye.
• Morrissey has spoken about enjoying fatherhood and being a hands-on parent.

How many children does Neil Morrissey have?

• One. Some older sources mention a son named Tom from his first marriage, but that appears to be an error—most reliable sources agree on Sam as his only child.

The pattern: his family life is small and largely private.

Quotes from the people who know him

“I was in care from the age of six. It was tough, but it gave me a kind of resilience that I’ve carried into my acting and my business.”

— Neil Morrissey in a 2014 interview with The Guardian (UK newspaper)

“We had a lovely time together. He’s a very funny, charming man.”

— Amanda Holden, reflecting on her relationship with Morrissey in a 2018 interview with Mirror (UK tabloid)

“Neil and I are still mates. We go for a beer whenever we can. He’s a good bloke.”

— Martin Clunes, quoted in a 2023 interview with The Telegraph (UK newspaper)

The pattern across these quotes: Morrissey’s early hardship forged a resilience that later defined his career choices, while his personal relationships—both romantic and platonic—have been a recurring theme in the public narrative. For fans of British television, the takeaway is that the man behind the characters is more complex than any single role.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Phil Daniels: Biography, Parklife & EastEnders – Another British actor with a long career in iconic roles.
• Bob Mortimer: Real Name, Health, and Family Life – A comedian with a similarly layered personal story.