All attention is almost surreal, he says to TT.
The TV series "Maffiablod" (originally "This city is ours") has been praised as one of the best things to watch on TV right now. Nelson-Joyce plays Michael Kavanagh, who is deeply involved in the drug trade in Liverpool but hopes to start a family with his girlfriend Diana. But intrigue within the family he works for leads to deaths and escalating conflicts.
It sounds like a plot that has been depicted many times before, but despite the Swedish title, this is a relatively bloodless story that is driven more by ticking tension and careful character portrayal.
Michael is a very complicated person. He has a soft side, he really wants to start a family with Diana, but at the same time he can be exactly the opposite and does not hesitate to kill, says James Nelson-Joyce.
"Is a luxury"
James Nelson-Joyce grew up in Liverpool and still lives there.
It's a luxury to be able to go home to your own apartment after filming or to be able to meet your family. The fact that the series is made in Liverpool also means that we get the opportunity to show different environments in this city that I love.
Kicked out of school as a teenager, he followed his teacher's advice and started looking for opportunities to become an actor. His first role was in the TV series "Shameless" in 2013, since then he has had a number of small roles, often as a tough guy.
"Fantastic actor"
A few years ago, Nelson-Joyce had one of the roles in Andrea Arnold's Cannes-competing film "Bird" and he has a major role in the acclaimed boxing series "A thousand blows" together with Stephen Graham. It was the second time he worked with Graham (now this year highly praised for the TV series "Adolescense") and cannot praise him enough.
Not only a fantastic actor but also one of the absolutely kindest and most pleasant people you can meet.
"Maffiablod" has become a major success and will of course have a sequel. James received the script for episode one of season two the other day, filming starts in three weeks. Season two of "A thousand blows" is already filmed.
All the attention surrounding "Maffiablod" has meant that I have received some interesting offers, but I don't think I can say anything about them yet.
Gunnar Rehlin/TT
Fact: James Nelson-Joyce
TT
Age: 36 years.
Family: Fiancée Olivia Frances Brown
Lives: In Liverpool.
Occupation: Actor.
Previous roles: "A case for Vera", "World on fire", "Brothers by blood", "Industry", "A town called Malice", "Bird", "A thousand blows".
Current: With "Maffiablod" streaming on SVT Play.
