Paul Smith Jr, the 20-year-old star of BBC's Time season three, has told the ECHO he plans to continue boxing and pursue acting simultaneously, even though his dad, retired boxer Paul Smith, would rather he avoid the ring.
Paul has won acclaim for his role as Toby in Jimmy McGovern's prison drama, which airs its final episode tonight. He discovered acting after fellow actor and Rotunda ABC boxer Paddy Rowan told him about open auditions for the show, run by casting director Amy Hubbard. Paul initially hesitated, saying, "I remember pushing back on the idea because boxing was my identity."
A New Passion Alongside Boxing
Paul explained that acting has become a second passion, but he has not stepped back from boxing. "I've not taken a step back from boxing because I think I'm performing at the best I ever have now," he said. "But [the acting] has helped separate it from my identity and now I'm not just a boxer."
He credited his empathetic nature for connecting with his character Toby, a young offender who has stabbed someone. "I really enjoyed putting myself in someone else's shoes," Paul said. "He's just a young and vulnerable kid who probably hasn't had much help in direction or where to go in life."
On-Set Camaraderie and Co-Star Praise
Paul described working with David Tennant and Siobhan Finneran, saying Tennant "was one of the nicest people I've ever met in my life." He added that Tennant wrote handwritten letters for him and his co-stars on the last days of filming.
Paul has become close friends with his co-stars Finn Kearns and Ollie McNulty, even moving in with them. "They're all genuinely my best friends and hopefully best friends for life now," he said.
Boxing Skills Transfer to Acting
Paul noted that boxing has helped him control his emotions and switch into character. "You've got to go to a place to be ready to go to war with someone so I've got a really good switch from boxing that I've carried over into the acting," he said.
His dad initially took him to the gym to learn self-discipline, though he never wanted him to box professionally. Paul quoted his dad's advice: "Don't cheat yourself, don't cut corners."
Paul aims to turn professional next year, despite his dad's nerves during fights. He remains open to balancing both careers: "I don't think I will have to choose. I think I can make them work." The final episode of Time season three airs tonight on BBC One, with all three episodes available on iPlayer.
