Inspector Morse star Kevin Whately's sweet family confession about grandkids

Kevin Whately was listed in the New Years Honours (Image: Getty)

An Inspector Morse star has opened up on life off screen as he made a sweet admission about being a grandparent. Kevin Whately is best known for portraying the character of Robert "Robbie" Lewis in the British crime drama.

However, off-screen the 73-year-old dad of two likes to keep his life somewhat private. But now he has opened up on "feeling young again" as he shared some insight into his family life.

The legendary actor is dad to son Kieran, 38, and daughter Catherine, 40. He also has granddaughter Ivy, who is now 14 years old.

Speaking to the Telegraph about his perfect weekend back in 2009, the actor shared that when he gets some time off from work he likes to go back to his roots in North East England. He and his family often enjoy weekends away in a large rented house so that they can all spend some quality time together.

He shared: "My family have been around Northumberland for five generations. Fortunately, my wife, Madelaine [Newton, the actress], also comes from the North East so it's an easy decision."

The star is known for his role in Inspector Morse (Image: Getty)

Kevin shared that family time is important to him, as he said: "Having a granddaughter makes me feel young again."

"I'm looking forward to taking Ivy for a swim," he continued. "She loves poking under rocks and collecting pebbles. Her parents are both opera singers, based in Glyndebourne, and she's used to the pebbly beaches close by."

The actor added: "On Sunday morning Ivy likes to jump into bed with us and I read her stories. She likes Some Dogs Do by Jez Alborough and the minute I reach the end she'll say, 'Again.'"

In recent news, Kevin has been appointed an OBE in the New Year Honours. The star said he was "delighted" to be receiving the accolade for services to drama and charity.

Kevin said that he appreciated that actors could "help to raise awareness and money for charities". However, he added that it was full-time charity workers who deserved the recognition.

Organisations he has supported include Action For Children and the performing arts charity, the Wavendon Foundation.