He was considered for the roles of Den Watts and Frank Butcher in EastEnders (1985). Leslie Grantham was ultimately preferred for Den and Mike Reid was cast as Frank when Martin was unavailable for it anyway, having signed up to do King & Castle (1986).
Began his career in show business as a stunt man, but after breaking his collar bone during a horse-riding stunt in Elizabeth R (1971) he quit and decided to become an actor.