Since Series 1 of The A List aired on BBC in 2018, Benjamin Nugent has been part of the cast playing regular character Harry and he has continued in the role when Netflix picked up the show and renewed it for a second series, which they released this year. Before his role of Harry, Benjamin had filmed a guest role for CBBC’s Millie Inbetween and he booked his first series character as Drew McLean in Scottish soap River City in 2016. Chatting with us, Benjamin tells us about being part of The A List, returning to film as Harry for Series 2 and his first series character in River City.
Can you tell us about your character Harry in The A List and what was it like returning to film Series 2?
Harry has a kind heart. He’s a bit socially awkward and spent a lot of time in his bedroom unwell as a kid. The crazy world of teenagers and, of course, Camp Peregrine is a whole new world for Harry. Returning to film Series 2 was so exciting. We were all over the moon to be returning to work together again as one big team and we hope that shows in Series 2.
What originally drew you to the role and how was it seeing the response to both series?
I immediately related to Harry’s awkwardness and I found it very easy to channel that in my performance. I cared for him immediately and wanted to protect him at all costs! The response has been amazing all across the world! Especially in Brazil! Those fans just love the show!
How did it feel having the show picked up by Netflix?
When we got the news Netflix were interested it was really exciting. A real buzz, so then when we found out Netflix were taking over it was just the best. We were all on cloud 9.
Did you have a favourite episode to film for the latest series and why would you recommend watching The A List?
My favourite episode was probably Episode 1. It was just exciting filming the return of all the characters and seeing how we picked up from where we left off in Series 1. I’d recommend watching The A List because it takes you on a journey you can engage completely in. Ups and downs, twists and turns. Stomach churns!
What is it like on set and working with the rest of the cast?
The atmosphere on set is always great. Everybody works so hard to make the show great and every aspect of production is full of people wanting to do good work. The cast are all amazing. We really got on great, which can be a challenge sometimes when you put ten+ actors on the same set at once!
Do you have any highlights from your time playing Harry?
I think it’s hard to pick one specific thing but probably just the growth of the character and how he slowly but surely comes out of his shell and is accepted by the other characters.
How was it filming as Geoff for the CBBC series Millie Inbetween?
That was great fun. We filmed in Belfast and I had been a lot as a kid so it was great to revisit after all those years. Geoff was a funny character to play also. Everybody at Millie Inbetween was a joy to work with.
You played Drew McLean in River City, what was it like having this as your first regular character and how was it filming the storylines?
Drew was a fantastic character to play. He had a lot of troubles and it was interesting to navigate them and when it came to shooting the mental health storyline it was important we got it right, for people who may be suffering with mental health I wanted to make sure I done the storyline justice. Which I hope… I did.
Where does your love of acting come from and is it something you always wanted to do?
I just enjoy exploring the psychology of the human mind and delving deep into what makes people do the things they do. It’s freeing for me. An escape.
What are some of your favourite TV shows and films to watch?
It’s hard to choose but I’d say my all-time favourite show is Peep Show. I absolutely adore everything about it. Film-wise I really love Good Will Hunting.
How do you like to spend your time away from your career?
I usually spend my time away from my career thinking about ways in which I can better my career! Ha! It never really ends.
What’s your favourite aspect of working on screen?
I like the technical side of it, seeing how it all comes afterwards. Also, when you do theatre you can’t stop and start again, so that’s nice… having many goes at the one scene is helpful.
What plans do you have for the rest of 2021?
I plan on booking more acting work and meeting new people.
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