Last year, Nathan Wood started his first professional acting role when he joined Series 14 of BBC One’s popular school-based show Waterloo Road as Boz Osbourne. Nathan’s character Boz had a huge storyline, for which he worked closely with Zak Sutcliffe as Schumacher ‘Schuey’ Weever and Olly Rhodes as Billy Savage. Having had his last appearance on screen as Boz at the end of 2024, Nathan is now looking for more acting opportunities and ventures. We recently caught up with Nathan, who told us about joining Waterloo Road in Series 14 last year, playing Boz Osbourne in the BBC One drama and what it was like working on his storyline.

How was it joining Waterloo Road for Series 14 last year and finding out you’d booked the role of Boz Osbourne?

It was the perfect mixture of nerves and excitement. I grew up watching the original run of the series back in 2006 and I was so excited to be joining a staple of northern-based television. When I found out I booked the role, I was in my work’s office, I was absolutely over the moon, the joy was unmatched.

Was there anything that drew you to Boz and how would you describe him?

I saw him as a lost kid, someone who never truly had a sense of self. He wanted some form of human connection, he was barely his own person at times, especially with Schuey. There was also a part of him that really understood the world and how to manoeuvre it to help benefit him as much as it could.

How was it filming Boz’s storyline and working closely with Zak Sutcliffe as Schumacher ‘Schuey’ Weever and Olly Rhodes as Billy Savage?

It was really intriguing as it was such a twist and so much fun to work on. Getting to work closely with Zak and Olly was a pleasure, they are such talented actors and genuinely kind-hearted people. They made each scene fun and that was really needed especially with the darker material we were working with.

What was it like getting into character and what was Boz like to play?

Getting into character was so much fun because Boz was the kind of kid I knew on the estate and grew up around. Had no real understanding of his actions and just there to cause chaos and have fun. He was so different to me but that’s what acting is for me, being able to embody someone completely different entirely. He was just fun, the second I saw myself in that tracksuit with the skinhead, I could just feel that energy change.

How was it reading the scripts for the first time and how did you prepare for your first day on set?

Reading the scripts felt really surreal. It was something I had dreamed about and worked towards for the better part of 10 years and I felt like I had finally got to the moment where my career was truly starting. Luckily for me, the first day on set was a table read of the first episode, so I was able to feel all those nerves on a non-filming day. I sat down and I knew I wasn’t going to be able to stand up as I could feel my legs shaking. Everyone was just so, so welcoming, it really felt like I walked into this massive family unit.

How did you find the experience being part of a hugely-popular BBC One drama series?

Waterloo Road will forever hold a special place in my heart, to be a part of such a well-loved series and having it be set in Manchester, I am a Salford lad through and through so Manchester is home. I felt like I was a part of something truly special and I knew that from that first table read.

What do you feel you’ve learnt from your first professional acting role?

I have learned that there are so many different roles and departments that need to run smoothly and together to make a successful series like Waterloo Road. It taught me to trust my instincts but to also be receptive and to also watch and observe as much as you can. You can learn so much on set even when you’re not filming by just watching and listening.

How was it seeing the viewers’ response to your character and storyline?

I was really shocked and I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed especially with the response on social media. It was so lovely to hear that people really, really enjoyed Boz. He was that loveable rogue to me who wanted to do right in the end. The storyline was such a hard hitter as well, extremely relatable to a lot of people of all ages. Bullying is a constant issue that’s faced in schools but can also be in the workplace and on so many different scenarios. Of course, it was pushed to an extreme on the show but it carried the nuances of this is what can happen if people are pushed, and that by being complicit is just as bad.

How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?

I started really in high school. I wanted to go into performing and it wasn’t until my GCSE drama I knew that this was my career choice. It just felt right. I always wanted to go into acting classes outside of school but it wasn’t feasible at the time so having it in the curriculum and as subjects really helped. I was also extremely lucky that I had exceptional teachers throughout my education, my high school teacher Miss Williams helped me realise my passion, my tutor at Pendleton College, Tara, showed me I could pursue this and my tutors at UCLan – Terence, Helen, Sarah and Joe – shaped me into a professional actor. I owe all of these people a lot as they all supported me and really believed in me.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

Ever since I was a kid, my favourite film franchise has to be Harry Potter. I also love The Green Mile, I think that is a masterpiece of a film. For TV shows, I go through phases, so it’s hard to find one singular show that stands out. I binged the whole of Grey’s Anatomy in a very short amount of time and I could re-watch Brassic over and over. It’s hard to narrow it down, honestly!

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy being with my friends and family. I have a husky that I spend a lot of my time with. I also like doing different things, at the minute I’m learning Spanish.

What do you enjoy most about working in the acting industry?

I love how every day is different, there’s nothing truly monotonous about it. You get to become these characters so different from you and it creates a sense of adventure in the career and you never truly know what’s going to happen next.

Have you been given any advice over your time as an actor so far that has stuck with you?

Even when things are quiet, always try to find something that keeps you in the creative mindset, learn a new skill, find a creative group. Being around creative people will always keep your mind going. If there’s no work, try and make your own.

My university tutors told me this and it has really stuck with me to make sure I keep my end goal in sight!

Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share, and what are you hoping this year brings for your career?

At the moment, I have no upcoming projects yet! I am hoping that this year brings new opportunities and ventures. I have great people working with me to help further my career along, and we know that this is just the start!

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