A landmark photography project
Photography by Jamie Herbert & Katie O'Neill
Christopher Eccleston is a highly regarded British actor of film, television, and stage. He has starred in numerous acclaimed television dramas, including Our Friends in the North and Cracker, as well as films such as Shallow Grave and The Others. Notably, he played the Ninth Doctor in the BBC’s Doctor Who, reviving the iconic role for a new generation.
Christopher Eccleston in his role as Dr Who
Born in Salford in 1964 to working-class parents, Chris spent his early years in a small terraced house on Blodwell Street, Langworthy, before the family moved to Little Hulton when he was seven months old. He attended Joseph Eastham High School, where he became head boy. At 19, inspired by hard-hitting television dramas such as Boys from the Blackstuff, he decided to pursue a career in acting. He studied performance at Salford Technical College before training at the Central School of Speech and Drama.
Chris first gained public attention with his role in the 1991 film Let Him Have It, followed by a breakout performance in Cracker. His powerful portrayal in Our Friends in the North earned him widespread acclaim and a BAFTA nomination. In 2005, he brought Doctor Who back to television as the Ninth Doctor, earning praise for his intense and emotional performance. His later television credits include The Shadow Line, The Accused, and True Detective. His film work includes Jude, 28 Days Later, The Others, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, and Thor: The Dark World.
The Salford Jets
Piccadilly Radio - promo photo
On the stage Chris has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and fulfilled a lifelong ambition by taking on the title role in Macbeth. His professional stage debut came in 1989 with a production of A Streetcar Named Desire.
To be a Salfordian means to believe and know in your soul that everybody on the planet is neither greater nor lesser than you - Christopher Eccleston
Throughout his career, Chris has received numerous awards and nominations, including an International Emmy Award for The Shadow Line and a BAFTA nomination for Our Friends in the North.
Mike Sweeney & Paul McCartney
Proud Salfordian - Mike at Salford Lad's Club, where he was a member in the 1960s
In his 2019 autobiography, I Love the Bones of You, Chris opened up about his experiences with mental health challenges and his dad’s battle with dementia. He is also an active supporter of several charities, including Mencap and the British Red Cross.
A proud Salfordian, Chris remains close to his working-class roots and is a passionate campaigner and advocate for equality and social justice. He is also a lifelong Manchester United fan.
Salford Quays - MediaCity
Outside BBC Quay House - the broadcasting base for BBC Radio Manchester. The shoot took place at the same location where 55 years earlier Mike worked as a docker on the then Salford Docks
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Student reflection: Jamie Herbert
Photographing Mike Sweeney was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We met at Salford Quays shortly after he’d finished presenting his mid morning show on BBC Radio Manchester. The weather that day was unpredictable, to say the least. Just 15 minutes before our arrival, we were sheltering from a torrential downpour followed by a sudden hailstorm. But as luck would have it, by the time Mike joined us, the skies cleared, revealing brilliant sunshine and blue skies - perfect for the shoot.
Mike was incredibly friendly and talkative. He shared stories about his early days working on Salford Docks and nearby Trafford Park and spoke warmly about Ordsall where he was born and raised. I began by photographing him at the water’s edge to give the images a sense of place and context. We then moved to the rear of the BBC’s Quays House, using the striking pillars and imposing architecture as a dramatic backdrop.
Mike was relaxed and happy to be directed throughout the shoot, which made the process smooth and enjoyable. I was very pleased with the final images, and I hope they reflect not only the atmosphere of the location but also Mike’s down-to-earth personality.
Of course, as soon as we wrapped up, the heavens opened once again - classic Salford weather.
Jamie & Chris on the shoot
