Nigel Derek Harman (born 11 August 1973) is an English actor. Beginning his career as a child actor, he has played various roles across theatre, stage and television, including as Sky Masterson in Michael Grandage's revival of Guys and Dolls and as Lord Farquaad in the original London production of Shrek the Musical, for which he received an Olivier Award.[2]
Harman grew up in Woldingham, Surrey, and was educated at Dulwich College. However, he found school difficult: "I was never comfortable sitting down. I always wanted to get involved in something, not just learn and write. I was in so much trouble I had my own desk in detention."[4] His father was a bank manager, but also involved in amateur dramatics including work with Croydon Operatic and Dramatic Association (CODA), an interest which was passed on to Harman. His mother was also involved in the productions, but she died when Harman was 18.
Career
Early career
By the age of eight, Harman had a manager, and in 1984, he made his first major television appearance in the BBC One drama series Tenko, which was followed by appearances in Alas Smith and Jones (1986) and The Honey Siege (1987). He then turned his hand to larger theatre roles, appearing in productions such as Privates on Parade, Much Ado About Nothing and Summer Holiday. He trained at Arts Educational Schools in London and was in the original cast of Mamma Mia!. Harman also performed in musicals on cruise ships for six and a half months, but later told Paul O'Grady that he hated the experience.[5] Having only worked on the stage and in musical theatre since leaving school, Harman was determined to expand into television, and pursued TV roles.[6] He had minor parts in episodes of Red Cap, Doctors and Coupling, but had to support himself by taking jobs at Pizza Hut and as a driver for supermarket chain Sainsbury's.[7]
EastEnders
In 2003, he was cast in the high-profile role of Dennis Rickman in the BBCsoap operaEastEnders. At the time, Harman was working as a delivery driver for supermarket chain Sainsbury's when he learned he had got the role.[8] Harman left EastEnders on 5 November 2005, and his final episode was aired on 30 December 2005, in which Dennis was stabbed to death in the street by one of Johnny Allen's (Billy Murray) henchmen,[9] later revealed to be Danny Moon.
Harman's success on television and stage has facilitated a move into other television and film roles. In 2006, he played the leading role in the one-off drama thriller The Outsiders,[10] co-starring actors Colin Salmon and Brian Cox. Later that year, he made a brief appearance in the Hollywood film Blood Diamond.[10]
In 2009 he appeared in the series Plus One,[10] and took over from Max Beesley as the new male lead in the BBC drama Hotel Babylon playing new owner Sam Franklin.[10] He also appeared as a "Dealer" in the Channel 4 online educational game The Curfew.[18]
In 2011, Harman appeared in an episode of Agatha Christie's Marple.[10] In 2013, he appeared in the fourth series of Downton Abbey, playing the role of a visiting valet named Mr Green.[19] From 2013 until the series ended in 2017, he played Bradley Dawson in Mount Pleasant.[10]
The BBC announced in February 2023 that Harman had joined the cast of Casualty as Dr Max Cristie, the new clinical lead of the emergency department. Harman made his debut that same month.[20]
In August 2023, it was announced that Harman would appear as a contestant on the twenty-first series of Strictly Come Dancing.[21] He was partnered with Katya Jones. He had to step down from the competition due to an injury hours before the quarter final on 2 December 2023.[22]
Personal life
Harman married actress Lucy Liemann in 2011. The couple have a daughter.[23]
