Frasier's Kelsey Grammer buys home in Portishead in Bristol to be closer to wife Kayte's family

As Dr Frasier Crane, Kelsey Grammer moved to the West Coast in Seattle to start his new job as a radio psychiatrist.

And now the man behind the sitcom has bought a house in the West Country to be closer to his Bristol-born wife's family Kayte Walsh.

The 67-year-old American actor, who was raised in New Jersey and later Florida, has been visiting the southern area of the UK for years, and is now setting up camp in Kayte's home town of Portishead, Somerset.

Speaking to ITV News about the reasons behind the choice to buy so far away from their home in LA, he explained it was because they could be close to her family.

'Well I'm actually married to a young woman called Kayte Walsh, now Kayte Grammer of course, and she is the daughter of Alan Walsh, a fairly well-known soccer player. We spent a lot of time in Portishead because that's where they live.'

'When asked about the reason why behind picking Portishead, Kelsey said: 'Well honestly it's because it's close to the family. We found this lovely little spot driving home last August and we just thought "This could work, this is nice!".

'We like the area a lot, it's a beautiful, beautiful view and a nice little walk down to the beach and I'm looking forward to doing a little writing there.'

Kayte is the daughter of former Bristol City footballer Alan Walsh, and Kelsey has been spotted enjoying - or not enjoying - a few matches in the local town over the years.

In 2014, Bristol Rovers had a touch of Hollywood in its crowd as Frasier star Kelsey gave his support during their 2-1 defeat to Rochdale.

It might not have been the most riveting day for the American star, who was seen yawning during the match, but it was a big deal for Rovers who are teetering on the brink of relegation from the Football League ahead of second-last Northampton on goal difference.

Kayte's father was their youth team coach and a former striker for the club.

It comes after it was announced that British actor Nicholas Lyndhurst was cast to star alongside Kelsey as his 'old college buddy'.

In the months since Paramount+ gave the green light to the new series of the 1990s sitcom, many have wondered if the cast will look the same as it did 30 years ago.

And now it is understood that the Only Fools and Horses star Nicholas, 61, will play a key role in Frasier's past, hinting towards the speculative storyline which has been kept so under wraps.

Variety reports that he is the first cast member announced to join the fan favourite sitcom, and that it marks a reunion for Grammer and Lyndhurst.

The pair worked together at the English National Opera at the London Coliseum for the Man of La Mancha back in 2019. 

While the plot has been kept secret since the reboot was announced in 2021, the official log reads: 'Frasier is off to a different city with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge, and an old dream or two to finally fulfill. Frasier has re-entered the building!'

And the publication explained that Lyndhurst's character is Alan Cornwall: 'Frasier’s old college buddy turned university professor'.

The description read: 'British, boozy, and larger than life, Alan has an intellect on par with Frasier’s—if only he ever felt like using it.

'Alan’s mischievous streak might be just what Frasier could use to shake up his routine, while Frasier’s thoughtful guidance might help Alan find some of the direction he’s been missing in his own life.'

Best known for his role as Rodney Trotter in British sitcom Only Fools And Horses, Nicholas's performances in Goodnight Sweetheart, New Tricks and Butterflies are just a few other titles under his belt.