Ian Embleton was born on 21st November 1964 in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, the son of a coal miner. He grew up in Boldon, near Newcastle and Sunderland. At the age of eight he was advised by the family doctor to take up dancing to strengthen the bones in his feet. He learned all forms of dancing and whilst at school won the Northumberland Tap Dancing Championship. In 1995 Ian joined EastEnders as Gary, Michelle Fowler's council boss and lover. He also played Sean in the BBC comedy Game On. In 1997 Ian played a porter in the film Preaching To The Perverted.