Hywel Thomas Bennett (born 8 April 1944) is a Welsh film and television actor. Bennett is known for his recurring title role as James Shelley in the television sitcoms Shelley (1979–84) and its sequel The Return of Shelley (1988–92).After becoming known for his role in the comedy film The Virgin Soldiers (1969), Bennett made appearances in films such as Loot (1970) and Percy (1971). He was in EastEnders during 2003 as gangster Jack Dalton.