Johnny Wade appeared on Coronation Street in March 1980 as Ernie, a lorry driver and customer at Jim's Cafe. Born in Bethnal Green, London, he was a market trader and became a singer in cabaret and with a band after winning talent contests. His first television break was in 1960s soap opera Compact. His other credits include roles in Crossroads, Z Cars, Father Dear Father, Bless This House, Porridge, George and Mildred, Juliet Bravo, You're Only Young Twice, Minder, London's Burning, Birds of a Feather, The Bill and Sunburn.