He studied science subjects at Greenock Academy,[3] then completed his National Service with the Royal Army Medical Corps, serving in Singapore.

[4] Wilson worked in a laboratory at Stobhill Hospital in Glasgow as a research assistant[5] before switching to acting at age 27.

[5] The narration of "The Man Who Called Himself Jesus", from Strawbs' 1969 eponymous first album, was performed by Wilson.

[12] In March 2011, Wilson presented an edition of the Channel 4 current affairs programme Dispatches entitled Train Journeys From Hell, with transport journalist Christian Wolmar highlighting the failings of the British railway network.

[15] He appeared at charity events organised by gay rights campaign group Stonewall, but had not discussed his own sexuality in interviews with the media.

[21] Wilson is also a long-time supporter of the charity Sense and in 2007 hosted their annual award ceremony.

He had been due to reprise the role of Victor Meldrew in a one-man show at the 2016 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.