Born at Falkirk, Central Scotland, the fifth of six brothers, his mother Janet is an acclaimed author and playwright. He moved to Glasgow aged 17 and still lives there (when not in London filming) with his lover Alex and their cats George ad Martha. Their flat is in a state of perpetual renovation and shopping for home furnishings is something of an hobby for both of them.

Notwithstanding a fleeting appearance as a waiter in Monarch of the Glen, David first came to public attention as Ryan in Tinsel Town, where he played a 17-year-old boy in love with a policeman twice his age, much to the moral indignation of the Daily Mall.

He continues to ruffle feathers in his current role in Holby City, and the lingering kiss with his on-screen boyfriend generated some 400 complaints to the BBC. Other notable appearances include a guest role in Channel 4's As If, and on stage, in Edwin Morgan's AD trilogy.

David is just about to sit for his final exams in his optometry degree, and works part-time in a shoe shop, to keep him in Tori Amos CDs.