Colin Salmon, the actor known for his roles in “EastEnders” and James Bond films, has expressed his “genuine gratitude” for the “compassion” shown by a court after he avoided a driving ban for speeding.
Salmon currently stars as George Knight in the BBC One soap opera “EastEnders” and previously appeared in three James Bond films during the Pierce Brosnan era: “Tomorrow Never Dies,” “The World Is Not Enough,” and “Die Another Day.”
Having already accumulated nine points on his driving license, Salmon received an additional three points for driving at 24mph in a 20mph zone in London last March.
Ordinarily, this would trigger an automatic six-month driving ban. However, Salmon avoided disqualification, partly due to his responsibilities as a caregiver for his seriously ill wife and daughter, whom he drives to medical appointments.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Salmon apologized and conveyed his appreciation for the understanding shown regarding his “extraordinary circumstances.”
“I hold my hands up, take full responsibility & apologise,” he wrote. “I actually feel the 20mph limit has improved quality of life in London.”
He added, “Nine points in seven weeks within half a mile of my front door. Proves the maxim ‘you’re more likely to have an accident five mins from home!'”
“The court weighed up our extraordinary circumstances, fined me but showed compassion for which I’m genuinely grateful.”
He concluded, “Here’s to a less eventful and healthy 2026.”
Salmon, 64, appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court in south-west London earlier this week.
He pleaded guilty to exceeding the 20mph speed limit while driving his Suzuki Wagon in Acton, near his Shepherds Bush residence, on March 31 of last year.
Prior to this offense, the actor had already accumulated nine points for speeding in April 2023, running a red light in February 2025, and driving without due care and attention in April 2025.
On Tuesday, Salmon was fined £666, ordered to pay £130 in costs and a £266 victim surcharge, and received three additional penalty points. However, he avoided a driving ban.
Salmon is married to artist and illustrator Fiona Hawthorne, who has publicly shared her diagnosis with interstitial lung disease, a rare lung condition requiring her to use an oxygen tank. She underwent a lung transplant in the US in 2024.
The couple’s daughter, Sasha, was also diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer affecting blood cells, in 2019.
They also have a son with high-functioning autism, and Salmon himself underwent hip replacement surgery last year.
Bench chairman Mark Stollery stated, “We note you are the main breadwinner and carer for your family and within the family, members have life-limiting conditions, including your wife and children.”
The magistrate noted that Salmon and his family would suffer “exceptional hardship” if he were disqualified from driving, adding, “They rely on you abnormally compared to most families and we also note your charitable work and that takes up time and travel.”
Salmon previously cited his wife’s health as a reason for accepting his role in “EastEnders” in 2022, stating he “can’t be far from home” because she is “not well.”
In the soap opera, his character, George Knight, is the patriarch of the Knight family and a former co-owner of the Queen Vic pub.
In the James Bond franchise, Salmon portrayed Charles Robinson, MI6 deputy chief of staff, often appearing in scenes alongside Dame Judi Dench’s M.
Salmon’s other screen credits include “Death In Paradise,” “Silent Witness,” “Band of Gold,” “Judge John Deed,” “Bad Girls,” “Doctor Who,” “Spooks,” and “Midsomer Murders.”
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