Iconic British actor reveals secret feud with ‘arrogant co-star who behaved so badly on set’

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Martin Shaw has revealed the secret feud he had with his ‘arrogant’ late co-star Lewis Collins. 

In the ’80s, the duo – Bodie and Doyle – were widely recognized as the most renowned crime-fighters on British television.

Martin, aged 80, and Lewis, who appeared like close friends on screen in The Professionals, harbored considerable animosity towards each other off-camera.

To be completely honest, I found such a sense of relief once my stint with my co-star on the series concluded. Working together had its challenges, and I was more than happy to move forward without that dynamic post-series wrap-up.

As a devoted admirer and contemporary of the late, great actor, I’ve often found myself reflecting on the private conflict that existed between us, a matter that unfortunately remained unresolved until his passing in 2013 following a valiant five-year fight against cancer.

‘He expressed that the experience was incredibly dreadful, with an overwhelming sense of gratitude washing over him once it had concluded. Around a decade later, after the series ended, I encountered Lewis, restoring the connection we once shared.’

Martin said their feud first began when he and Lewis played villains in The New Avengers in 1977.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I must share an intriguing encounter I once witnessed on a movie set. The actor Lewis, although only having a minor role, exhibited behavior that was far from professional and downright baffling. His arrogance was palpable and went beyond what one might expect in such circumstances, creating an odd and unsettling atmosphere. This account was related to me by a fellow crew member, Martin.

Martin often spoke about how Lewis highlighted his athletic abilities, occasionally at the cost of his fellow performers.

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Martin remembered Lewis’s habit of showcasing his physical strength, sometimes at the expense of other actors.

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According to Martin, Lewis would frequently brag about his physique, sometimes overshadowing the other actors.

He mentioned that he had previously told the casting director, “I can’t collaborate with Lewis as we don’t see eye to eye,” yet they decided to cast him regardless.

On the initial filming day, I approached him and said, “I hadn’t wished for this situation, but let’s make the best of it and enjoy the process.” Unfortunately, his response was less than friendly, telling me to essentially leave him alone. For the subsequent four years, our relationship remained strained and he never seemed to forgive me for that encounter.

Doyle was the sensitive one with a bubble-perm and a conscience. 

The real hardman of the show was saturnine Bodie, the ex-mercenary.

Bodie and Doyle formed an unconventional division within MI5, known as CI5 – a unit that was directed by the experienced Gordon Jackson, who also had a background in war films.

His deep, Glasgow-accented voice served as a cautionary signal about ‘chaos’ and ‘violent acts’, establishing an unyielding atmosphere for the performance.

This year, Martin made his debut in the timeless war drama “A Man For All Seasons,” which was penned by Robert Bolt – a role he previously played in 2006.

The narrative recounts Thomas More’s steadfast resistance against King Henry VIII, particularly his resolve to challenge the Pope, claim supremacy over the Church within England, divorce Catherine of Aragon, and subsequently seek to have children with Anne Boleyn.

In a 2012 interview with The Guardian, Martin openly acknowledged that his work had a significant role in the greying of his hair.

He mentioned that he has developed quite a number of gray hairs over time, and he has also experienced considerable exhaustion.

Acting can create tension in personal relationships due to frequent absences. It’s somewhat similar to military life because you spend a significant amount of time away from home.

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2025-08-19 17:50