Coming from a theatrical family, Tom acted from a young age, with companies such as the Old Stagers and The National Youth Music Theatre.

(Tom's great grandfather Arthur Wontner, played Sherlock Holmes in many early films about the great detective).

Tom spent his early career working in various aspects of television production from sound/camera through to directing, and subsequently presenting and producing at companies such as United Artists and Telewest.

Arthur Wontner as 'Sherlock Holmes'

Tom as 'Wharton' in 'Another Country' 1984