Photography - David Reiss

Styling - Alton Hetariki 

Grooming - Elvire Roux

Interview - Taj Hayer 

Currently appearing on screens on Sunday nights in the BBC’s Time, James Nelson-Joyce is one of then most exciting actors in the UK right now. Staring alongside Stephen Graham and Sean Bean, and directed by the man behind last years smash Des, Time sees Nelson-Joyce play the prisoner that makes life hell for Sean Bean. 

Striking whilst the iron is hot, the Liverpudlian is also shooting a new Amazon Prime series called The Offenders and in late summer plays Bez in a new Happy Mondays biopic movie. It made perfect sense to find out more about him, before he hits the big time.

For those that don’t know, tell us about the character that you play in Time?

In Time I play a lad called Johnno who goes into prison with the intention of making a name for himself. Now, the way he goes about this certainly isn’t organising a game of musical chairs or a game of charades. His attitude is to do to others before they can do to you! He’s fighting to survive - the only way he knows how.

What did you do to prep for your role?

When prepping for someone like Johnno it’s all about why someone does the type of things he does and the two main factors that I got from the script, without giving too much away, is firstly he’s a narcissist and all about the image and wannabe culture. Secondly, I do feel some of the actions he takes are driven by fear. He’ll go a step further than your normal scrap to scare people and make sure they know he’s not to be messed with. But when it comes on top for him he backs off. For me personally, I like to prepare by doing lots of research, speaking to people, watching documentary’s etc. Then when on set, I like to make a little playlist of music, so for this it was loads of Aystar, Tremz, Giggz, Dave and some old school Pleasure Rooms vibes.

What drew you to wanting to play this character?

To be honest I’ve always wanted to work with Jimmy McGovern, so I would have taken any role in the piece, I was just fortunate and lucky enough to get the opportunity to play Johnno. I wrote to Jimmy’s agent 5 or 6 years ago saying how much I loved his work on The Street, The Accused, Liam, the list goes on, he’s a genius. Jimmy writes stories and communities that I understand and relate to and there’s not enough of that on the telly.

Time and Little Boy Blue have been described as “gritty” and “spine chilling”. What is it about these roles that makes you so suited to them?

I don’t know actually!!! Maybe if I was “handsome” it would be different. I know how I look and I guess I might not be the obvious choice for a romantic lead, and to be fair I’m fine with that because the roles I’m getting right now excite me. I love getting a character who makes me think; why does someone do that? For me, I know how lucky I am to be doing a job that I love and enjoy and I don’t take it for granted at all. But ultimately it does boil down to the writing the director and the cast. The best analogy I can think of is life is so much easier if you're playing football with Virgil Van Dijk, Trent, Henderson, Salah and Mane, and then you’ve got the Jurgen Klopp directing you how to play and what he wants you to do in the game. It’s the same with acting - if you have the best people around you, they bring out the best in you and you learn a lot from them.

What initially drew you to a career as an actor? 

I didn’t know I wanted to act. I dreamed of playing at Anfield, but I definitely wasn’t good enough. I fancied my English teacher, Miss Griffiths, she was gorgeous.....god I hope she doesn’t read this!! When she would ask someone to read, I would do anything to grab her attention so I would put on accents, try to make her laugh etc. Anyway a very long story cut short, she spoke to me one day and asked what job I wanted to do and I said I’m gonna go on the building sites like my dad. She encouraged me to go to a community college and study acting and I obviously replied and said NO CHANCE, but she convinced me to have a go. If I’m really honest whilst at the community, it really was watching people like Stephen Graham and Pete Poselthwaite that inspired me to have a go. I always remember Stephen in The Street - that episode with his son was amazing - and also Jim Broadbent’s episode really just stick in my mind as moments where I was sat there going, I’d LOVE to do that!!!

Do you watch yourself as a viewer of the shows when they run?

Yeah, I do watch, but I do struggle because I do have this fear of everyone watching going he’s shit and being found out. Imposter syndrome. I guess if that’s how I feel I probably shouldn’t watch, but then I feel like I have to watch because I’ve been involved in some amazing jobs. And I’ve worked with some amazing people, so I would never not want to watch their work because of my own insecurities.

What are you working on now and next?

I’m working with Stephen Merchant at the moment on The Offenders, which is about people from different walks of life doing community service. Before COVID came along I was prepping to play Bez from the Happy Mondays and we’re hoping to start shooting that soon which would be amazing as I can’t wait to getting across a side of Bez that people don’t think of. He’s loyal and kind and of course the life and soul of the party.

And finally, what for you, makes a rakish gent?

I’ve no idea!! Trust me I have no idea why you’re interviewing me.....haha! I’m clueless about fashion, I’m at home right now in my trackies with a chippy, watching The Chase!!!!

Quick fire questions

Ideal travel destination - Hawaii

Best store in the world - Nando’s

Gadget of choice - TV

Go to pair of shoes/trainers - Air Max 95 (110s) I’ve got cankles

Brand/ designer of choice - Nike and Gucci 

Favourite fragrance - Creed 

Essential grooming product? Aftershave I have a paranoia about being the smelly one!!!

Recommended app - YouTube

Icon - Me Grandad!!! 

Time is currently streaming on BBC IPlayer. 

Follow James Nelson-Joyce on Instagram.