James Nelson-Joyce has spoken about his new film Amazing Grace and the reaction to This City Is Ours season two in an exclusive interview with the ECHO at the film's world premiere in the Crosby Community Plaza.
The 37-year-old actor has had a busy two years, appearing in two seasons of the BBC show This City Is Ours and two series of Disney+ programme A Thousand Blows. Amazing Grace, an independent film, has been released in UK cinemas today.
Playing villain Karl
In Amazing Grace, James plays Karl, a mean-spirited character who takes advantage of his supposed friend Walter during a mental health crisis. Speaking about his ability to play such villainous roles, he told the ECHO: "[Karl] is an *****e with a capital a**e. It's your job isn't it to play that part."
He laughed: "I'm not like your Jacob Elordis and all these handsome b******s. I've got one of those faces and it's half the battle when you've got a bit of an ugly grid. It does half the work for you."
Getting into the psychology of these volatile characters fascinates him. Referencing some of Michael's worst deeds in This City Is Ours season one, he said: "You're doing the things that I would never do as James. Snatching a baby. Killing your best mate. Some things I would never do."
Response to This City Is Ours
The ECHO spoke to James in the immediate aftermath of season two being released, which has earned rave reviews. Speaking about the reaction, he said: "I've got no words for it. Wherever I go at the minute. Whether it's London, Manchester, Liverpool it seems to be everyone has binged watched it and already knows the ending of it so it's a bit mad."
James stars alongside Hannah Walters in Amazing Grace, who was appearing in her first lead role. Hannah and her husband, Stephen Graham, played a pivotal role in James getting to where he is today, as he regularly tells the story of approaching the couple in a Nando's when he was an aspiring actor.
Speaking about their influence, he said: "I wouldn't have had the opportunities I've had if it wasn't for Hannah Stephen. First of all, I wouldn't have got into acting if it weren't for Stephen on screen. He really did inspire me. They don't realise what they've done for me and many other actors out there."
Amazing Grace premiere
Hannah's involvement meant it was a no brainer to get involved with Amazing Grace, which tells the story of a man in crisis who reaches out to a mental health counsellor on a helpline when he is at his lowest ebb.
James said: "As an actor, you get into filmmaking and TV to tell amazing stories and that's what this is. And then the team around it. Daniel's writing. Ruth [Carney] as the director. Hannah and everyone attached to the film so how can you say no really. The beautiful thing about this film is having someone to talk to and someone being there for you. That's the message we're trying to get across in this film."
The film received two standing ovations at its premiere in Crosby. James is proud to have created another project embraced by the Merseyside community, but he is ready for a rest before thinking about This City Is Ours season three and his upcoming film, The Man Who Stole Portugal.
He said: "I can hopefully sleep. I'm looking forward to getting my head down and seeing my mates. Hopefully an holiday in there somewhere." Amazing Grace is in select cinemas now. This City Is Ours season two continues on BBC One at 9pm on Sunday, with all episodes available on iPlayer.
