David Paisley grew up in Glen Village, a small village near Falkirk, Scotland, with his mother and five brothers. He was a shy and introverted individual, struggling with low self-esteem, which made him a target for bullies at his primary school. Despite his difficult childhood, David found solace in his relationships with his few girlfriends, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was attracted to boys. This realization led him to seek out a gay youth group at the age of 15, where he eventually met his first boyfriend.
As he entered his teenage years, David's confidence began to grow, and he started to come to terms with his sexuality. At 17, he enrolled in Glasgow University to study Physics, and later transferred to Caledonian University to pursue a degree in Optometry. During his university years, David finally came out to his family, who were incredibly supportive and helped him start a grassroots website to combat the "Keep the Clause" campaign.
After completing his studies, David took a gap year, during which he discovered his passion for acting. He appeared in a community workshop, which sparked his interest in pursuing a career in the performing arts. However, it wasn't until he landed a role in the show "Tinsel Town" that he began to gain recognition in the industry. His portrayal of 17-year-old Ryan Taylor, who falls in love with a man twice his age, brought him into the public eye.
David's success in "Tinsel Town" led to him securing a role in the popular medical soap "Holby City," where he played the character of gay midwife Ben Saunders. His character's storyline, which involved a romantic relationship with his on-screen boyfriend, attracted 114 complaints from viewers. Despite this controversy, David's performance earned him a loyal fan base, and he became a household name in the UK.
After leaving "Holby City" in 2003, David and his boyfriend Alex embarked on a year-long journey through Brazil, which provided them with a much-needed break from the spotlight. Upon their return to the UK, David began to focus on his film career, with a lead role in the adaptation of David Leavitt's novel "While England Sleeps." This project marks a new chapter in his career, as he takes on the lead role of Edward Phelan and continues to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry.
