Most recently seen in Netflix’s Missing You and best known for his role as Dushane in Top Boy, Ashley Walters continues to land roles in British thriller series. In the former, the actor plays Josh, a mysterious man whose estranged fiancée finds him on a dating app while investigating the murder of her father. Though it plays it well, the role seems to be a far cry from who he is at home – a proud husband, father and grandfather.

In Top Boy, Walters plays Dushane, whose thirst for power takes him down a windy, violent and unpredictable road with guns, drugs and plenty of networking with shady characters. A changed man despite a real-life jail stint related to remarks made (in connection to a gun possession) in 2002, the entertainer is now looking to expand his home compound in England for his growing family. He’s faced two appeal denials based on the size and structure of neighboring homes but hasn’t let that hold him back from making his dreams come true.

Netflix Star Is Originally From London

Originally from South East London and raised in Peckham by a single mother, Ashley Walters grew up with his father in and out of prison. Once a kid who kept focused at school, holding onto the values of his home life, he strayed at the age of 16. Looking back at this time in his life, Walters once told Daily Mail, “ I didn’t grow up rich, but I had no reason to sell drugs or to be out on the street.” Walters’ rebellion was on an upward climb upon joining the So Solid Crew, a garage and hip-hop group. The band achieved a top-20 hit single called “21 Seconds” in 2001 which only amplified their success and the negative attention that came with it. Members of the band struggled to obey the law with regard to fighting; it’s been alleged that youth were often stabbed after attending parties associated with the group, sometimes resulting in death.

Trouble seemed to follow the members, including Walters, leading him to purchase a gun after one was pulled on him while he was out in public with his infant son. During his involvement with So Solid Crew, the icon was also the victim of an unreported and nearly fatal stabbing. After he sought protection in the form of a weapon, Walters was faced with jail time. Perhaps it’s fair to infer how Walters could pull from his own life to embody the Top Boy character. His portrayal of Dushane has made him a recognizable face for years to come. However, it was via his role as an ex-con adjusting to life after prison, in Saul Dibb’s Bullet Boy, that Walters first gained fame.

Where Does Ashley Walters Live Now?

Like the characters he plays, Walters’ reality has expanded beyond previous circumstances and life in London. These days, he lives near Herne Bay in Kent on a compound with his family reportedly worth one million pounds. Walters is married to fellow actor, Danielle Isaie, who has been by his side for over a decade; the couple shares eight children and a grandchild.

Kent, around an hour’s drive from London, England, is a family-oriented area. And it’s one, according to Walters, that his family would like to continue calling home. Their future in Kent seems at risk as they’ve appealed for the expansion of their bungalow but have been denied twice. Still, Walters has hopes of expanding upward. His children live on the top level and the height of the room will soon force them to crouch. He’d also like to add on a cinema, gym and pool. The latter additions are not against the regulations of the neighborhood. However, increasing the height would impact local uniformity, according to the city council. The family has issued a third appeal and is waiting to hear back, this time, from the independent Planning Inspectorate.

Two Denied Appeals And One Approved: The Walters Are Staying in Kent

For now, the family can enjoy the compound as it stands, making great use of their large kitchen and dining space. It’s characterized by white marble-style countertops and wooden cupboards. There’s also a large patio and back garden. Despite pushback from the city council, Walters has commented upon experiencing a rather smooth process with regard to submitting appeals. He’s also come to enjoy Kent, in its contrast to the pace and culture of London. Walters appreciates the neighbors welcoming him and his family as well as their consideration of his safety. “As soon as we moved in, we had cakes being brought to the door,” he recalled. “After a storm [they were] checking that we’re OK: ‘We noticed your gate’s blown off, do you want us to help you fix it?”

In addition to being a big fan of Kent, Walters is frustrated by the city council’s recent approval of a 160-new-home project on farmland in the Herne Bay area. With Walters and Isaie’s children settled into school there, the London native said they would not return to his hometown. “We would just have to find somewhere else locally that suits our needs.”

Their last appeal proved that the third time’s the charm as the Walters are able to expand and stay in Kent. Their plans needed to be revised for the recent approval, permitting a half a metre increase in terms of height. However, the forecasted movie room, weight room, sauna and pool will be developed in the coming months.