Dylan Llewellyn, best known for playing James Maguire in Channel 4's hit series Derry Girls, is back on screens in the network's comedy Big Boys. The 32-year-old actor also stars as PC Kelby Hartford in Beyond Paradise, the Death in Paradise spin-off opposite Kris Marshall.
Llewellyn began his TV career on Hollyoaks as Martin 'Jono' Johnson, appearing in 94 episodes before his character was killed off. He later had roles in Holby City and films such as Frequencies and Down Dog. However, he faced a dry spell in acting work and took a job at a café making sandwiches.
Speaking on Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, Llewellyn admitted he nearly gave up acting. 'I was struggling a bit and I was almost like going to give up on acting,' he said. 'I just wasn't getting any auditions... it was just a really quiet period.' His breakthrough role in Derry Girls came just in time, which he described as 'emotional' and 'saved me.'
Llewellyn, who is dyslexic, fell into acting by accident after choosing drama as a 'doss subject' for GCSEs. A National Theatre competition revealed his talent, and a stage performance caught an agent's eye. At 17, he won a place at RADA on his first attempt.
Big Boys season 3 premieres on Channel 4 tonight at 10pm. The series has received multiple BAFTA nominations, though this season is rumoured to be its last.
