Gavin Henson and Charlotte Church’s son turns up in BBC drama after ditching rugby to be an actor

The youngster appeared in BBC production ‘Waiting for Burton’ on Monday night and has spoken about his fledgling acting career

10:36, 11 Nov 2025Updated 16:53, 11 Nov 2025

Dexter Henson appears in ‘Waiting for Burton’ on BBC Two(Image: BBC)

Dexter Henson, the son of Welsh rugby legend Gavin and singer Charlotte Church, has surprised everyone after popping up on the nation’s screens on Monday night.

The 16-year-old appeared on the short BBC film ‘Waiting for Burton’, which tells the story of a young girl’s obsession with with the work of actor Richard Burton. Dexter plays the supporting role of Rhydian in the film short, in what appears to be his acting debut after deciding to give up rugby.

“It was good,” he said in an interview with It’s My Shout, a film training scheme behind the production.

“It was my first time working on a set, so it was a bit new for me.

“It was great. I was well looked after. Philip Jones, the director was great. He was a mentor so he helped me out a lot.

“It was really exciting. I really enjoyed myself.

“It’s a more recent passion. I was more into the rugby since about the age of five. But I’d sort of had enough of it, so I wanted to try something different.

“I love it.”

The sight of Dexter on screen might well come as a surprise to some, but he did make headlines last month when he made a rare public appearance alongside his mother at the BAFTA Cymru Awards.

Dexter Henson and Charlotte Church attend the 2025 BAFTA Cymru Awards(Image: Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)

Many commented on the youngster’s resemblance to his father, with Dexter also towering over his mother as they walked along the red carpet.

Charlotte and Gavin were considered Wales’ celebrity power couple of the 2000s but separated in 2010, after five years together. Both have gone on to remarry.

Henson Snr has reignited his passion for rugby over the past couple of years, coming out of retirement to play for local club Pencoed RFC. You can see pictures of him in action here.

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