Born in 1963 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, Andrews went to Sitwell Junior school on Grange Road and Oakwood Comprehensive School (now called Oakwood Technology College) on Moorgate Road. He went to school with Top Gear presenter James May . His parents were publicans and he lived at the The Masons Arms on Wellgate and the Green Dragon in Kimberworth. He belonged to the local Phoenix Amateur Operatic Society. He began work at Kirkby Central, a Vauxhall car dealership, in Wellgate, then began singing at holiday resorts such as Skegness, and on cruise ships over twenty years. His entry into acting came when successfully auditioning for the 2002 film, The Navigators, which was set in Sheffield.
In 2005, Andrews played the character of Steven Maynard in the ITV drama Wire in the Blood. In 2007, he appeared in the BBC dramas True Dare Kiss and The Street.
He lives in Upper Hoyland with his wife, Denise, has two daughters (born c.1985 and c.1991). Andrews supports his local football team Rotherham United. He also enjoys watching rugby league.
