MY TV LIFE
Nathan Sussex
Nathan, 45, is best known for playing evil Buster Smith in TV’S Hollyoaks. He was named Villain of the Year at the 2019 Soap Awards
What was your first TV memory?
I remember the day Channel 4 launched. In Wales we had S4C and the first programme was a cartoon – Superted in Welsh. I didn’t know any Welsh at all but I watched it. Countdown, Brookside and Superted!
What was your first TV appearance?
It was in a BBC film called Care 20 years ago, based around the child care-home abuse scandal. I played Rodney, a small part but harrowing. Antonia Bird, the director, put me at my ease. It won a Bafta. Kieran Prendiville from Tomorrow’s World wrote it.
Who was your first TV crush?
I’m gay but it was Jane Harris in Neighbours. Annie Jones played her and everyone had a crush on her. She was “Plain Jane the Superbrain” and transformed into a beauty. Years later I realised I probably fancied Guy Pearce’s character Mike Young more than Jane...
What is your favourite current show? Rupaul’s Drag Race, it’s so funny all the time. The UK version isn’t bad. It’s not had as much money thrown at it but they did well and it’s still a lot of fun.
Which TV show would you take to a desert island?
Probably Kay Mellor’s Band Of Gold from the 1990s. I’d just get lost in it. I would binge watch that, soaking up the glorious cast – Cathy Tyson, Geraldine James, Barbara Dixon, Samantha Morton...
What TV show would you like to put out of its misery?
Anything sporty. I don’t do football – even though I play a professional footballer. I know nothing about it. I’ll probably be hated for that!
Guiltiest TV pleasure?
I’m a reality TV fanatic! I have a slight obsession with Real Housewives. It’s just trash TV. People will be appalled! But I love it. I’m hoovering up anything by
Ryan Murphy too.
What are you up to at the moment?
I’m back in Hollyoaks this month, I co-host with Carol Vorderman on BBC Radio Wales, and I’m in a new Russell T Davies drama called Boys, set during the Aids epidemic, on Channel 4.
Nathan appears with Carol Vorderman on her BBC Radio Wales show (Saturdays, 11.30)