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David Royle Obituary
22nd December in London after living with Multiple Sclerosis
for twelve years.
Born in Salford, David moved to Blackpool where his family had a guest house on Central Drive and was a mechanic before joining
the Royal Artillery and then becoming an actor.
He was best known for his
role of Sergeant Wield in
Dalziel and Pascoe.
David is survived by his partner Rachel Essex and two sons Bert Royle, 9 and Gus Royle, 6.
The Funeral Director is
W.Uden & Sons, 020 7703 3212.
120 Entries
JoAnne Myers
April 13, 2025
He was a fine actor. I enjoyed watching him on Dalziel and Pascoe.
Leslie Holder
March 13, 2025
Very sad to learn of David´s passing .... I´ve been watching all the episodes of Dalziel and Pascoe and really enjoyed the character development over the show. From the other comments Mr. Royle was an amazing man. May he rest in peace.
Linda Panter
February 12, 2025
Watching Dalziel and Pascoe and have just discovered the very sad news that Mr Royle had passed away. My thoughts and condolences to his family and friends and thank you for letting us share his talent.
Tim
November 1, 2024
I actually thought he played the part very well. He was not treated well by Dalziel. Dalziel at times was not good to anyone.
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Mike
October 5, 2024
He brought Wieldy to life and was a firm favourite. So sad that he left us so early.
Chris and Sandra
September 11, 2024
He was our favorite character in Daziel and Pascoe, was searching to see what else he did after the show and we are very saddened to learn he had passed away and so long ago. A great actor.
Geordie S
August 25, 2024
I served In 129 (Dragon) Battery of 40th Regiment RA with Dave and let me tell you he was the funniest guy you could ever meet, no-one could seriously have a stern word with him without collapsing with laughter, many tried. He's a great miss but the memories will stay with me forever.
Timothy
August 3, 2024
was my best mate at Tyldesley school Blackpool miss you pal love tim x
Jerry Johns
July 11, 2024
I first saw David on the detective show. He was a great actor and was looking for more of his work and found this. My condolences to you and the family.
Carol
April 9, 2024
Loved this programme, David really good actor an essential part of this drama. Googled cos always expected to see him in other things, such an obvious talent. Condolences to his family, a Husband and Dad to be proud of.
Simon
April 2, 2024
Only just found out about David Royals passing at the young age of 56. Sad news indeed for someone so young. Always think oy late Father who read all the Reginald Hill's books and then the series on TV. Brilliant series of which David Royal played the part of Sgt Wield so well. Brought a welcome understated part to the role of which was a top series. One of the very best on TV. Loved the humour of Warren Clarke as well . Great acting
Norman W. Marquardt II
March 12, 2024
I started to watch this series he was in Dalziel & Pascoe. I never watch it till coming across it in 2023 and found it a great TV detective series. I really enjoy all that were in it. Found out later that David Royle had pass so early in life and was so sad to hear of this, and I really enjoyed his character that he played. Was also sad to hear of Warren Clarke passing as well.
GILLIAN C NASH
October 21, 2023
Very sorry to hear of David Royle's passing. Watched Dalziel & Pascoe the first time round, and am currently watching reruns on ITV3. It was only recently I found out that Warren Clarke died in 2014, and it's sad to hear that another cast member passed only a few years later. Best wishes to both families.
Stan O'Connor
October 20, 2023
Great actor brought strength to the series D&P with the character he portrayed, made it believable. Sad to hear of his passing. Currently watching D&P again. Regards to David's family who understandably must be so proud.
Ron Planting
September 13, 2023
Ik wist niet dat hij overleden was, zo hij zijn rol speelde als Wield vond ik hem eigenlijk beter als Pascoe.
Altijd aanwezig maar ook altijd bescheiden, hij was de detective zoals ik ze graag zie zijn ogen zijden veel meer dan zijn mond, ik vind het verschrikkelijk dat hij zo vroeg overleden is had graag veel meer van hem gezien en mis hem zeer nu . rust zacht lieve fijne man, het nadeel van ouder worden is dat je leest dat iemand gestorven is die ik nu erg mis en zeer waardeerde als acteur.
Tia
June 14, 2023
I am so sorry for even having to write something so late after the passing of David, I lost my parents within weeks of each other and it's taken me 5 years to come out of the darkness, I have missed so much, lost so much, and to just read today the passing of David breaks my heart. When Gus was a baby I had my mum make a baby quilt for him which I sent over from Canada. David was so grateful in receiving it. I hope the family are doing well, and know that I am so deeply sorry for the loss of such a lovely kind man. Tia-Canada
Kay
May 23, 2023
I watched as Sgt Wield and looked him up, only to be totally shocked to learn of his illness and death so young. He was a wonderful actor and added much to the series. My condolences to his family may he rest in peace
M.S
May 22, 2023
About 30 or so years ago, I interviewed David for a support worker role with people with learning disabilities. He was recruited as he had great values and empathy. When I offered him the job, he mentioned he was trying to break into acting, and could he have the occasional day or week off. I said it would be ok, we´d sort something. Anyway, he didn´t stay on the job too long, as he got some days here and there, then a week, and finally he had to resign as he was getting pulled more and more away. I loved sitting with the people he supported, pointing out David on TV, that he was famous. I am so, so sad he is gone. For the short time we knew him, he was calm, decent and kind. I´m pleased to have known him.
Kp
March 19, 2023
Remembering Dave with fondness served together have great memories together forever
Tom
September 9, 2022
What an amazing actor! Loved his character in Dalziel- understated but always there, reliable and not missing a beat. He will be missed. Condolences to his family. May God be with them.
Susan Bailey
August 31, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
From a fan
Lisa L. Longmire
August 1, 2022
This so sad! Have been re-watching Dalziel & Pascoe and had no idea he had passed away so young. Condolences to his family.
Denise
July 16, 2022
So saddened to just now learn about David's death. I am now watching Dalziel & Pascoe from the beginning ( happened to catch it midstream before). I love it... and David added so much in every one of his scenes. I'm sure he was a kind, gentle person... and great husband and father!! David... rest in peace... and thank - you!!
A Joseph Stoddart
March 27, 2022
I have so enjoyed Mr. Royle's characterization on Dalziel and Pascoe I looked to find more information about him and alas, found that he has left us. My regards to his family from Pennsylvania.
Abu Yair
December 15, 2021
I am now watching Dalziel and Pascoe for the first time. His contribution to it is so enriching. It just wouldn't be the same without him.
Sandra Pearson
December 12, 2021
We saw your work on Dalziel and Pascoe. We think that you were a great actor. As mentioned below, you stole every scene that you were in. We missed you when you "retired" on that last episode you were in. We miss not seeing you on all the subsequent seasons. Sorry to hear how things turned out. We pray your partner and two sons are doing great.
TIMOTHY DODD
November 1, 2021
Just started watching Dalziel & Pascoe now...which brought me here. Mr. Royle, I love your work!
From afar,
Best,
Timothy Dodd
Sue Thayer
October 26, 2021
We love your work, you bring great pleasure even though you have passed away:
Barbara Mirza
June 8, 2021
The strength of his performance lives on...like so many, I was taken by his portrayal in D&P and was so intrigued by him that I looked him up. If he was half as steady as a husband and father as he was as an actor, I have no doubt that he was an incredible influence on those around him, and greatly missed. Those of us who have encountered him during the pandemic and been entertained and sustained by his performances know only a fraction of the sense of loss that his family and friends must feel. Rest In Peace sir.
May 15, 2021
A wonderful actor who is greatly missed.
Douglas Allchin
April 26, 2021
A huge talent whose quiet unassuming presence made watching Dalziel and Pascoe such a joy. He stole every scene he appeared in.
Wilgert Van och
April 14, 2021
Nice person and great actor
H. J. Herrell
April 7, 2021
My husband and I are currently binge watching Dalziel and Pascoe. We noticed that Wieldy was no longer in the cast. Like other viewers, we were worried about the actor who played Wieldy. David Royle’s skill as an actor has affected us. His subtle ability to draw you into needing to know his character better showed an immense talent. I know we missed not seeing him, I can only imagine how hard it must have been for his family and those who knew and loved him. He is missed even now as we see his work and wish he’d been able to continue doing so much more. He’s still building a fan base posthumously which memorializes his amazing acting skills.
Pär Söderqvist
February 27, 2021
Been wondering what happend to this great actor. Sad to hear this now. Rest in peace.
Jane Jinks
February 11, 2021
Since David left D&P I've tried to find out what happened to him but, understandably now, there was nothing except he'd had to leave acting - maybe for health reasons but nothing definite. I would have loved to have been able to pass on my thanks to him for his portrayal of DS Wield in D&P. He got him so right. Wish they'd done "Pictures of Perfection", my favourite story from Reginald Hill's novels, mainly because of the centring on Wieldy's character.
Joyce Randall
January 27, 2021
I just discovered David Royle on Dalziel and Pascoe, and loved his character and portrayal of Wieldy. So sorry to see his departure after season 7.
Mark Stewart
December 19, 2020
I only found out I was related to David in the late 90s he was a fantastic guy and I'm so sorry to learn of his passing
Sue Bunyan
November 15, 2020
Terribly sad to learn of David's passing. I worked with him many years ago on D&P and can say with utmost sincerity that he was one of the most gentle, down to earth, genuine and professional individuals I ever had the pleasure to work with. My prayers and condolences go to his family.
Terr Kenny
September 28, 2020
Only just realised David had passed away. So sorry to hear it as he was my firm favourite in Dalziel and Pascoe. My sincere condolences to family and friends.
Richard Harris
September 11, 2020
Great acter, made you believe. Condolences to David's family and friends. He will be missed.
August 15, 2020
Yes, we are behind in America....I too looked him up as he added so
much to Dalziel & Pasco. I too was so sorry to know that he had MS and we lost him so young. I send my prayers to the family with the hope that they have been able to remember the laughter and better times. So sorry for your loss.
August 14, 2020
You played a major role in Dalziel Pascoe and Royle. It was a true character. Sorry to know just now 2020 that you have died.
Rop van Loenhout the Netherlands
Joost de Keizer
July 24, 2020
I loved to see you playing in Dalziel & Pascoe. So sad you're not with us anymore.
Paul Godfrey
June 28, 2020
So sorry to find david had passed away,remember the hotel in blackpool and meeting him a few times ,my mum and dad would point him out when he was on tv ,they were proud of him.
Doreen Balsara
June 27, 2020
Loved him in D&P as Weildy. He was handsome and so talented. He was absolutely made for Dalziel and Pascoe. Will be missed by all.
Timothy Geering
June 13, 2020
My sincerest condolences his work as an actor brought me so much pleasure
May 29, 2020
We Americans are so behind - I just discovered "Dalziel and Pascoe." David Royle soon became my favorite character; I enjoyed him so much! I am saddened to learn he is gone.
Barbara Widdows
May 17, 2020
Loved him in Dalziel and Pascoe. So sad MS got him at such a young age. Love and peace to his family.
David Ashley
February 3, 2020
An amazingly talented actor and a kind person. So sorry to hear of his passing at such a young age.
Emma Gordon
January 30, 2020
David gave me so much pleasure as his role as Weildy in D&P. He had the kindest and most handsome face. Thank you for the joy. He made me happy. My condolences to his family.
January 29, 2020
01/28/2020
My husband and I are rewatching D&P and looked up Mr. Royle, only to learn that he has died. I want his family to know that he was a great actor who made a group that is often marginalized more visible. And he touched many people with his art which was known for its subtlety and depth. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
David Royle
David Martin
January 25, 2020
T Ormiston
January 25, 2020
Amazing actor. Calm and caring. Added so much to the story. We appreciate his contribution to the stories he was in. Thank you
Paul Belisle
January 16, 2020
Thank you David for the gift of your talent. The compassion you showed onscreen was beyond description.
Anke Spijker
December 7, 2019
Dalziel & Pascoe is shown again on BBC First in the Netherlands. I looked up who David Royle is and found out he died so young, with such young children.
I read that he left the series because he didnt want to be in a supporting role for so long. But the reason I looked him up is because I think he is the best character in the series and so well played! To me Wieldy is much more interesting than the main characters. I wanted to tell him this, but I am too late. MS is a terrible disease sneaking into your body and crippling you schub by schub. Having been very active in disabled rights, until my body wasnt strong enough anymore, I met lots of people with MS. No one died of MS but it seems they are getting other diseases easier. I will remember David with the other people who died too young.
I wish his family strength en best wishes in building up a new life after loosing their loved one.
Anke
Susan Elizabeth
October 30, 2019
Like many others who have written here, I was intrigued by David Royle's subtle performance as Edgar Wield on Dalziel and Pascoe, and he quickly became my favorite character on the show. He was able to convey depths of amusement, grief, affection, warmth, and ironic resignation with just the slightest of facial expressions, and his timing was impeccable. I am immensely glad that I was able to see his work. I hope these words of admiration will give some comfort to the friends and family he left behind.
Helena Bedford
October 15, 2019
Along with many others, Im watching my old favourite D&P, and googled David Royle to see what else he was in. I too, am shocked and upset that he has died. He had an unforgettable brooding presence, and I always found myself watching him on screen rather than the main characters. May he rest in peace. Best wishes to his family and friends. Helena Bedford X
Morgan
October 3, 2019
So sad to learn that David Royale had passed away. He should have lived many more years and built on the wonderful legacy he left from the Dalziel and Pascoe series.
He will be missed. Condolences to his family. A great hole in their lives.
Harold Green
September 17, 2019
Hi could any of the Rowlands family originally from sale-salemoor now in alicante spain please get in touch with harold green cousin at [email protected] thanks
Roberta Corrigan
September 16, 2019
Just heard of David's death.
I send my condolences to David's family and Friends.
He will be sadly missed by not just his family and friends but his many fans.
Goodbye Wieldy ! x
September 16, 2019
So sorry to hear of the death of David.
He will be greatly missed not just family and friends but those of us who were huge fans.
September 15, 2019
Shocked to learn he had passed. Been watching old episodes of d&p and can see that a very talented actor with an obviously warm character has been taken too soon. My deepest sympathy.
Jeanne Chiang
September 12, 2019
I became interested in him as an actor by watching Pascoe and Dalziel and looked for other works of his. Then I discovered he had died almost 2 years ago. I felt strangely saddened considering I knew him so little. He is what I call a slow hitter. He played Wield so understated, yet his reactions, amusement, sadness all came through in such a defined way. His death is a great loss.
Maggie Travis
September 7, 2019
Just read of David Royle's passing. Wonderful actor.
Condolences to his family
August 17, 2019
Sorry to learn of Davids passing. What a fine actor he was. Rip. Condolences to his family and friends.
Brian Pendergest
July 12, 2019
Sorry only just heard about David passing away in 2017,i was at Tyldesley school in Blackpool and was in the same class as David,in fact i lived near his parents address,i was a school friend
we all used to hang around together,he was a nice man,i can still remember going round to his guesthouse central drive happy memories,condolences to Davids family loved him in Dalzio and Pascoe,such a shame he passed away so young with this dreadful disease r.i.p David Brian xx
July 10, 2019
it,s really nice to keep seeing all these messages.
I only wish we could of met in our adult life more often,
Cousin,
Leslie Rowlands
Graham Casey
July 9, 2019
SORRY to read about his passing. He lives on both in his family's heart's and on our tv screens.
Remembered for his acting work by the public and by love from his family & friends.
Christine Bravery
July 1, 2019
Such a lovely man, great actor loved in D & P . Didn't know ge had passed I thought he was doing other things off screen, so sad. My thoughts I send to his family.RIP David, sadly missed.
Kat Tangredi
June 18, 2019
He was marvelous to watch as an actor and missed by fans!
Chris Benham
May 27, 2019
Dave was a lovely funny funny man ... with whom I had the very great joy of exchanging emails for about 10 years. I will treasure his kind words and I wish Rachel and the boys all the best.
David Martin
February 7, 2019
Bless him xxxx
February 6, 2019
Am an American who loved this gifted actor's understated and courageous take on Sgt. Wield.
Without him, the show wouldn't have been the same.
In wanting to find out more about him, found he had passed away, after the good fight.
Gwndylyth Burnette
Fatima
January 28, 2019
He was such a wonderful actor and I loved him as sergeant Weildy in Dalziel and Pascoe. May he RIP. Many condolences to his family.
RIP Mr Royle
David Martin
October 28, 2018
Paul Bentley
October 26, 2018
I am very sad to hear this he was brilliant in Dalziel and Pascoe and would have gone on to greater things I'm sure. Condolences to his family and friends.
RIP David.
J Chiang
October 23, 2018
I really missed him. Wondered what happened to Wieldy. He did not look completely well to me in his final episodes. I will continue to miss him. It's a tribute to his acting that he could make a deep impression while playing a soft spoken, thoughtful, and not flamboyant character.
Donald Tait
October 12, 2018
I was sad to learn of Davids passing I watched him in Dalziel and pascoe here in America on Netflix he seemed like a fine actor and person and send my sympathies to his family and friends.
Marie
September 19, 2018
Watched Dalziel & Pascoe and loved Sgt Wield's character. Such a fine man and my sympathies to his family.
Ruth
September 10, 2018
Watching Dalziel & Pascoe now, wondered where Sgt Wield was. Just googled to see if he'd be on anymore episodes, and read he had passed. Sad. I really enjoyed watching him on the show.
Susan Perez
September 7, 2018
I've just started watching Dalziel and Pascoe, so only begun getting to know David Royle as Sergeant Wield. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere sympathy to his family -
Staples
September 1, 2018
Have been watching the series and my favorite character was Wieldy. My deepest sympathy for your loss, such a good actor. Loved the subtle touches he brought to the character. watching series on Britbox from Florida.
Johnnie Sue
SM Buck
August 19, 2018
As I progressed through the Dalziel & Pascoe episodes, I found myself looking forward to the scenes with David. He was that good an actor! Naturally, I researched his other movie/tv credits, and come to find that he died. What sadness. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Such a terrible loss!
Pamela
July 27, 2018
a brilliant actor, his subtlety & presence on screen was something very special; i am very sad to hear of his death, his family & friends must be extremely proud of him, i would like to offer my condolences to them.
July 24, 2018
Saddened to read of David's passing, he was great in Dalziel & Pascoe. My condolences to his family. RIP David.
Ellen DeLashmutt
July 21, 2018
So sad miss seeing him in Dalziel & Pascoe really enjoyed his humor! Rip. Ellen DeLashmutt Folkston, GA USA
Mary Mathis
July 18, 2018
Dear Royle family,
I have recently been watching Dalziel and Pascoe and have become a fan of David- his easy mannerism and subtle facial expressions make his acting style perfection. I decided to look up his imdb credits when I didn't see him in the eighth season of the show, mainly to find any of his other shows and I was deeply saddened to learn of his death at such a young age-
My deepest sympathies for you family
Mary M Mathis
Amber Agustinus
July 17, 2018
Just finished Daziel & Pascoe, David Royale (wieldy) was a true star in this show so very sad to hear of his passing. Prayers for the family what an amazing actor.
susan bortz
July 16, 2018
I will miss hearing that lovely voice. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
David Martin
July 13, 2018
David, I thought you was wonderful in Dalziel & Pascoe
David Martin
July 13, 2018
I thought you was wonderful in Dalziel and Pascoe.
Kate Burchard
July 11, 2018
I had no idea this lovely actor had passed away. It's truly a loss for us all who admired his talent. My sincere condolences to his family.
July 7, 2018
I just watched D+ P and loved the character that David portrayed. When I Googled him and found out he had died I was genuinely sad. So, here I am , in East Providence ,RI USA missing a man an ocean away that I have never met.I think it says something about his talent and his ability to make connections through his work. My thoughts are with his family.Marie
July 4, 2018
Sad to discover that this fine actor had died. Was watching Dalziel and Pascoe and Googled him. Condolences to his family.
RED
June 20, 2018
Served with Dave at Colchester, great bloke and really sad to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family
RIP "MODO"
RED
Deb Duckman
June 6, 2018
I have only just learned today, when trying to research some episodes of Dalziel & Pascoe, that this lovely actor has passed away. I'm honestly truly upset and deeply saddened to learn David has passed and wish to send prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and all who knew him and loved his acting. I shall watch Dalziel & Pascoe with even greater emotion now than before. Best wishes.
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