In the popular ITV drama Trigger Point, Nabil Elouahabi plays Hassan Rahim across both series released so far, with a cast including Vicky McClure as Lana Washington and Eric Shango as Danny. This year, Nabil appeared in an episode of FBI: International as Khaled Abood, and he plays Samir in the upcoming cinema release of feature film The Outrun. Among Nabil’s recent screen credits, he has played Joseph in BBC Blue Lights, and joined Series 4 of Our Girl as regular character Rabee. Nabil has filmed for a future heist film – FUZE – which is directed by David Mackenzie, and most recently on stage, he played Tariq in Noura at Playwrights Horizons in New York. Speaking with us, Nabil told us about playing Hassan Rahim in Trigger Point, filming as Samir in The Outrun and his regular character of Rabee in Our Girl.
You play Hassan Rahim across both series of Trigger Point for ITV, can you tell us about the character and was there anything that drew you to the role?
Hassan is also an EXPO (like Lana), he had served in Afghanistan and is experienced – he’s low-key, and very professional. I liked that I would be playing a Londoner, and using my own voice as opposed to accented etc. I resonated with him.
What is Hassan like to play and what is it like filming alongside the rest of the cast?
The cast are a happy family, Vicky (McClure) and Eric (Shango) are a particular joy, and all the new cast fitted in beautifully!!
How is it reading the scripts for the first time and what was it like returning to film the recently released Series 2?
It’s always a little nerve-racking as you wonder if you’re going to get blown up! But as the audience have seen, Hass has stepped up, and hopefully will continue to!
Why would you recommend watching Trigger Point and how has it been seeing the response to the show?
It has a good balance of action and character-led drama! The response has been amazing.
Earlier this year, you appeared in an episode of FBI: International as Khaled Abood, how was this?
That was a lot of fun, a bit of action and being a snake! Fun was had.
Can you tell us about the new feature film The Outrun, in which you play Samir, and what was it like to be part of?
This was a highlight – directed with grace and playfulness – acting with Saoirse (Ronan) was a joy – always been a fan of her work.
How is it playing Joseph in the BBC series Blue Lights?
Loved playing this straight-talking chap! No-nonsense Joseph. And I learned a lot about the long and painful history of the region.
How was it joining the cast of Our Girl in Series 4 as new regular character Rabee?
Another great experience – we filmed in Cape Town which is beautiful – cast were super sweet – Michelle (Keegan) led with grace and generosity of heart. Great memories.
On stage, you most recently played Tariq in Noura at Playwrights Horizons in New York, what was the show like to perform in?
It was a privilege to be invited to work in the US – and we had a stint at Playwrights Horizons in NYC, which is a theatre dedicated to new writing. Powerful experience.
How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do professionally?
I fell into it accidentally! I had FAILED most of my GCSEs and decided to try drama as I was told it was easy – what I found out was I LOVED it. Finally I was hooked.
What are some of your favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch and how do you like to spend your free time?
Love Fernando Meirelles (City of God) and a lot of world cinema. Most recently – Triangle of Sadness!
What advice would you give a new actor starting out in the industry?
Put yourself in the action, ACT! Find a theatre group, shoot scenes, do what’s needed to make it happen!
Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about and what are you hoping 2024 brings for you?
Excited to be part of FUZE – a heist film directed by David Mackenzie – it’s going to be a BLAST.
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