Doctors actor Chris Walker joins singer, drummer and businessman sleeping rough in Doncaster

But actor Chris Walker, along with his singing star daughter, her bandmate, and a businessman are going homeless tonight.

Chris, along with daughter Anastasia, her band’s drummer Richard Gartland, and Paul Smith from Doncaster firm Touchstone Education, are ready to sleep out under the December rain.

For Chris, it’s not a bizarre plot twist involving his character, policeman Rob Hollins. It’s a plan to raise money for Real Help Doncaster, the Doncaster charity which works with the homeless in the borough.

He is joining pal Paul along with Anastasia and Richard from 8pm to 8am. They will start the evening touring the town centre with people who work with the borough’s homeless.

Later they will settle down hoping for some sleep in a car park away from the town centre. If it rains, they will find space in a doorway.

Anastasia, currently working for Touchstone after the coronavirus pandemic put her work as the singer in the famous Doncaster band Bang Bang Romeo on hold, said: “We’ve called what we’re doing Sleeping Out to Help Out. We’re going to be walking round town first talking about how we can help, and then we’ll be sleeping in the car park.

"We’re going to put ourselves in a chilly situation, but it’s in a secure area.

"We’re doing it in December because we feel it loses its value if we do it in the summer. There are people who sleep rough all year round.

"I’ve only ever slept outdoors at music festivals, and even that was in a tent. Dad’s never slept outdoors at all. We want to do something inspirational.”

Chris is back to working on Doctors again, after filming was suspended during the spring lockdown. He even filmed an episode on Zoom in Doncaster at one stage.

But Anastasia and Richard are currently unable to play shows. Their touring calendar this year had been due to include Glastonbury and the South by South West festival in Texas.

They are hoping to raise £3,000 and have set up a donations website. Click here to donate.

The money raised will be spent on projects like helping homeless people to access training courses, furnishings, travel costs or setting up a home.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.