CARDIFF LIVES Hollyoaks’ Nathan Sussex makes his villainous comeback

NATHAN SUSSEX The Cardiff-based actor on bagging a role in Russell T Davies’ new drama Boys, and his return to Hollyoaks this month

Nathan is a really nice guy, but on screen he’s played one of soap’s most sinister roles: Buster Smith in Hollyoaks – which won him Best Villain at the British Soap Awards. And this month he’s returning to the harrowing role. You’ll also soon see him in new Channel 4 series Boys, in which Years and Years creator and former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies will explore the lives of three young gay men affected by the AIDS crisis of the 1980s. Nathan, who lives in Roath, will be on screen beside an allstar cast, which includes Keeley Hawes, Stephen Fry, Neil Patrick Harris and Olly Alexander. Channel 4’s Boys is a beautiful story… It’s about friendship, love and overcoming fear and prejudice, all set against a fantastic 80s soundtrack. I play Pete Burrows; he’s an activist who works on a gay switchboard and tries to educate and raise awareness of the danger of AIDS. He befriends some of the lead characters as he embarks on his own personal fight. The re’s an incredible all-star cast… It was an amazing opportunity to work with them. Most of my scenes are opposite Olly Alexander of Years and Years; he was a real joy to be around. I am a huge fan of Russell T Davies, too, so I jumped at the chance to play this role.

“It felt amazing to be named as villain of the year”

I’m set to make a dramatic return to Hollyoaks in September… Buster will be back and will come face-to-face with one of his victims. The scenes are very intense indeed, and we will see Buster play his manipulative games once again.

Sounds odd, but it felt amazing to be named as villain of the year… I had only been in Hollyoaks for a year and it was such an honour. I honestly didn’t expect to walk away with the award, especially as I was up against some longestablished villains.

The best part about being an actor is… when you have been told you’ve got a part. You can wait quite a while before you get a yes. The most challenging part is the other side of that, which is coping with long bouts of unemployment.

TV is great, but radio is a lot of fun, too. It is very spontaneous and you can end up talking about all sorts of things; Carol Vorderman is great to work with and we really bounce off each other.

I’ve lived in Cardiff about eight years… I’m based in Roath. What I love about Cardiff is how close everything is; I like to walk everywhere and it amazes me that I can be in Roath one minute and in the Bay the next.

And the businesses are amazing... My favourite restaurant is Cafe Citta; they do the most incredible Italian food I have ever tasted, perfect for a date night. My new favourite local is the Mackintosh Sports Club in Roath, they transformed the bowling green during lockdown and allowed locals to drink around the green, it feels like such a community hub. And as for shops, I love having a little nose around Beti Biggs in Pontcanna.

I’ m a sucker for a view… I absolutely love standing on the bank of Cardiff Bay on a clear, quiet day and taking it all in.

I also often run around Roath lake, which has become one of my favourite spots in the city.

My most treasured possession is… An old battered leather belt which I have had for so many years; it has been everywhere with me and I get a little bit panicky if it ever goes missing.

So mething not many people would know is… I once had a job interview at Buckingham Palace to work for the Queen.

I’ m proud that… I taught Carol Vorderman how to shimmy!

If I owned Cardiff for a day and could absolutely change anything… I would pedestrianise it so everyone could enjoy it more. n

Channel 4’s Boys will likely air in early 2021.