In the new 5 series The Fortune, which premiered in June this year, James Younger played his first major screen role as regular character Luke. For the 5 release, James worked alongside his on-screen parents Eleanor Tomlinson as Amanda Blakefield and Matthew Lewis as Jimmy Brent, with Denis Lawson, Callum Woodhouse and Rebecca Front also in the cast, and James was directed by Andy De Emmony. Previously, James has worked on A Woman of Substance and Toxic Town, and he has been auditioning for further projects, and will be seen in Power and Glory, which will air in 2027. We chatted to James about being in the cast of new 5 series The Fortune, playing Luke in the show for his first major screen role and working with his on-screen parents Eleanor Tomlinson and Matthew Lewis.

You play Luke in the new 5 series The Fortune, how did you feel booking your first major screen role?

Overjoyed! It was the best feeling to book a role with such an incredible cast. For me, it’s taught me to believe in myself and never give up!

How was it meeting and filming with your on-screen parents Eleanor Tomlinson and Matthew Lewis, and being directed by Andy De Emmony?

They were all so supportive and kind. My on-screen mum, Eleanor, was out of this world! I couldn’t believe my luck. We would rehearse our lines together, and she would mother me. She made me feel so special! We had a special handshake on set, and I will never forget it. We keep in touch regularly, and she’s very supportive of my acting career. She also said I am the future James Bond…

I was completely starstruck by Matthew… I mean, he was Neville from Harry Potter! He was also so kind and made me feel very confident on set. I loved watching him act out his scenes… such a pro! I hope to be as amazing as he is one day 🙂

Andy De Emmony was lovely from the moment I met him. He made me feel so confident on set.

Was filming a regular character in a major TV series as you expected, and what do you feel you learnt from your time on set?

I learnt so much from the experience. I loved watching how it all works behind the scenes. The most important lesson I learnt was resilience. Sometimes, we would do the same take a lot of times, but it’s so important to get it perfect!

What was Luke like to play and how did you prepare for the character?

Luke is a typical 10-year-old boy that loves his family and also gaming! He was a nice character to play, as he’s very much like me in many ways, but maybe styled a lot better, haha!

How was it watching yourself on screen for the first time, and how did you feel on release day?

It was the best day of my life! My friends and family were so proud of me. I couldn’t quite believe it was happening to me… it still doesn’t feel real!

Do you have any favourite memories from working on The Fortune that you can share?

Yes. My handshake with Eleanor – it was THE BEST!

The whole entire team treated me like a king! I had my own driver, Gary, who I will never forget. He was so kind and caring! The makeup and hair stylists were wonderful and kind too!

The wrap party was very special. When I left, the entire team stood up and clapped! I was so emotional and cried all the way home! It was wonderful!

We understand you have previously been involved with A Woman of Substance and Toxic Town; how were these to film?

Very different to this series. A Woman of Substance was set a long time ago, and the clothes were very different… I did like wearing the cap! For Toxic Town, I had to wear a fake hand!

Is there anything you enjoy most about being an actor?

I just love, love, love it! I love everything about acting. I am really hoping for a role where I can showcase my angry/mean/sad side. I love impersonating other characters.

Do you have a process for learning new scripts?

Thankfully, my mum helps me learn the scripts. I love learning lines and tend to read through scripts before bed, as my mum said the brain will process the lines whilst asleep… I’m not sure how true that is?!

How did you get into acting and when did you know you wanted to do it professionally?

I was inspired by my older sister. My sister Isla is a singer and had an agent. She was sent self-tapes, and I wanted to do them too!

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

I enjoy watching Spider-Man, but my favourite film of all time is Michael. I can’t stop doing the moonwalk! I’ve even had my hair permed!

How do you like to spend your free time?

I don’t really have much free time. I love my sport. I play football, rugby, golf and tennis. 

Along with acting classes too!

I am hoping to start some dance classes, as I absolutely love Michael Jackson!

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

‘A no is just another chapter in your book’. Keep going, as the right role will come along! Some nos have been incredibly hard to move on from, but you get up and try again!

What are you hoping the rest of 2026 brings you and do you have any upcoming projects that you can talk about?

I will be in film called Power and Glory, which will air in 2027.

I have been lucky to have had lots of auditions this year, thanks to my incredible agent, Rotten Orphans. They work super hard for us! Let’s see what the outcome of the auditions are 🙂