Christopher Michael Ellison (born 16 December 1946 in St Pancras, London)[1] is an English actor. He is best known for his role as DCI Frank Burnside in the ITVpoliceseriesThe Bill and short-lived spin-off series Burnside.
Aphasia diagnosis[edit]
In April 2022, Ellison revealed that he had been suffering from aphasia for about 18 months.[6][7] Ellison’s decision to publicly disclose his condition was inspired by American actor Bruce Willis‘s announcement that he too had the condition.[6]
Ellison had been diagnosed with the condition following a stroke in mid-2020 when his wife discovered him lying on their bedroom floor at their home in Brighton.[6] He had to be removed via a skylight due to the ambulance crew not being able to move him down a spiral staircase.[6] Ellison was moved to a rehabilitation centre in Haywards Heath.[6]
When Ellison returned home in November 2020, his wife became his full-time carer but she credits their two adult children and Ellison’s former castmate Mark Wingett for providing valuable support.[6] Due to his condition hampering his ability to communicate, Ellison became anxious when leaving the house due to the fear of being recognised and not being able to engage in conversation.[7] Despite having difficulty speaking, Ellison can fully understand what others are saying.[7]
Despite initially being reluctant to publicise his diagnosis, Ellison and his wife hope that by sharing their experience with aphasia it will enable other people to develop an awareness and understanding of the condition.[7]
Sussex Aphasia Self-Help 