A New Chapter for Joe McGann
Joe McGann, a well-known actor from the 1990s, has taken an unexpected turn in his career. After years of starring in popular television shows, he has decided to retrain as a psychotherapist and now works in a rehab facility. This shift marks a significant change for the 67-year-old actor, who is best remembered for his role as Charlie Burrows in The Upper Hand from 1990 to 1996.
Over the years, Joe has appeared in numerous other TV series, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He played various characters on BBC’s Casualty from 1989 to 2024, Daz/Jake McIntyre in Doctors between 2005 and 2015, and Edward Hutchinson in Hollyoaks from 2019 to 2020. More recently, he has been seen in ITV’s Vera and Netflix’s Kaos. However, fans may be surprised to learn that he has moved away from acting entirely.
According to his Substack channel, Joe is not only an actor but also a trainee psychotherapist. He currently works as a caseworker and tutor at a frontline addiction rehab in Liverpool. In a recent post, he reflected on the importance of sobriety and how it relates to his new profession. He shared insights into the challenges of working in addiction recovery, stating:
“You don’t do that job for long without noticing the gap between what people say they believe about addiction and how they behave when it’s standing in front of them.”
This observation highlights the complexities of addiction and the need for more understanding and support in society.
Personal Life and New Beginnings
In January 2022, it was revealed that Joe had separated from his wife, Tamzin, after 16 years of marriage. At the time, reports suggested that he had found love again with campaigner Frances Malloy during the first lockdown. The couple met in early 2020, and Joe has since shared many photos of her on Instagram, often referring to her as “My girl” in his captions.
Joe and Tamzin had been married since 2006, and she was a therapist and wellness guru. Despite their divorce, Joe still has a photo of Tamzin on his Instagram feed, uploaded in 2015. The actor, whose brothers are Paul McGann (former Doctor Who star) and Stephen McGann (Call The Midwife), has remained relatively private about his personal life.
In a recent interview, Joe hinted at his new relationship, revealing that Frances moved in with him during the first Covid lockdown. He told Liverpool’s Silver Magazine:
“Well there’s Mum and me, and Minnie the dachshund, and there’s also the amazing Frances… You see, before the plague descended, I had met and fallen for Frances, and we were in the very early days of a new – and in both our cases – entirely unexpected love affair.”
He described the experience of living with Frances and her son as a mix of challenges and joy, comparing it to a “long and enjoyable episode of Bake Off/Masterchef.”
Frances Malloy’s Story
Frances herself has made headlines in the past. In 2020, she won an eight-year battle with the government to ban old tyres on the road after her son, Michael, was tragically killed in a 2012 crash while traveling home from a music festival. Her advocacy for road safety has drawn attention and support from many.
Joe and Frances’ relationship continues to evolve, with Joe embracing this new chapter in his life. His transition from acting to psychotherapy reflects a deep commitment to helping others, and his journey offers valuable insights into the challenges of addiction and recovery.
