Richard was one of Emmerdale's most private actors, even though he gave an interview in 1995 with The People telling that he was separated from his wife but still lived in the same house together. Richard was very good friends with his former co-stars: Lorraine Chase who played his daughter Steph & Sheree Murphy who played his granddaughter Tricia. Richard had a break from Emmerdale in July 2009 to have his right knee replaced. He returned in April 2010. Whilst happy to have stayed in his role for so long, he has complained that his character is not used as much anymore. In October 2010, Richard revealed he was selling his large house in Mid Wales to move closer to the Emmerdale studios in Leeds.