Nicholas Burns (born 1977) is an English actor, best known for his comic performance as the title character in '' Nathan Barley'' (2005). He played Martin Weedon in '' Benidorm'' (2007–2009, 2014) and Alex in '' No Heroics'' (2008). His other credits include '' The Mighty Boosh'' (2005), '' The IT Crowd'' (2007), ''

Doctor Who ''Doctor Who'' is a British science fiction television series broadcast by the BBC since 1963. The series, created by Sydney Newman, C. E. Webber and Donald Wilson (writer and producer), Donald Wilson, depicts the adventures of an extraterre ...

'', ''

The Crown The Crown is a political concept used in Commonwealth realms. Depending on the context used, it generally refers to the entirety of the State (polity), state (or in federal realms, the relevant level of government in that state), the executive ...

'', (both 2017), '' Manhunt'' (2019), '' Strike'' (2020), '' The Serpent Queen'' (2022–present), '' A Small Light'' and '' Black Mirror'' (both 2023).

Early life

Burns was born in

Derby Derby ( ) is a City status in the United Kingdom, city and Unitary authorities of England, unitary authority area on the River Derwent, Derbyshire, River Derwent in Derbyshire, England. Derbyshire is named after Derby, which was its original co ...

, and educated at Repton School. He trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

Career

In 2005, Burns played the titular leading role in the

Channel 4 Channel 4 is a British free-to-air public broadcast television channel owned and operated by Channel Four Television Corporation. It is state-owned enterprise, publicly owned but, unlike the BBC, it receives no public funding and is funded en ...

comedy '' Nathan Barley''. Burns has had recurring roles in the TV series '' Absolute Power'', '' Roman's Empire'', and the sketch show '' Man Stroke Woman''. Burns also made an appearance in '' The Mighty Boosh'' as the ruler of the planet Xooberon; in '' The IT Crowd'' as Jerome, the director of a musical called ''Gay!''; and in episode " At Bertram's Hotel" of '' Agatha Christie's Marple'' as Jack and Joel Britten. He had the role of an Australian tennis coach in ''The McClintock Factor'', a

mockumentary A mockumentary (a portmanteau of ''mock'' and ''documentary'') is a type of film or television show depicting fictional events, but presented as a Documentary film, documentary. Mockumentaries are often used to analyze or comment on current event ...

chronicling the rise and fall of the former media tycoon and internet blogger Jeremy McClintock. Burns played a main role as Martin Weedon in the first three series of the ITV holiday comedy '' Benidorm'', alongside a cast that included Abigail Cruttenden, who played his wife, Sheridan Smith and Johnny Vegas. Burns' stage credits include '' Much Ado About Nothing'' at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre, the satire ''The Madness of George Dubya'' and '' Ghost Stories'', both of which transferred to London's West End, Penelope Skinner's ''The Village Bike'' at the Royal Court, '' The Recruiting Officer'' at the Donmar Warehouse and Pinero's '' The Magistrate'' at the

Royal National Theatre The National Theatre (NT), officially the Royal National Theatre and sometimes referred to in international contexts as the National Theatre of Great Britain, is a performing arts venue and associated theatre company located in London, England, ...

, a production included in season 4 of National Theatre Live. In April 2013, he returned to ''Benidorm'' as Martin Weedon, for series 6 of the show in 2014. In 2020, Burns appeared in series four of '' Strike'' and in '' Small Axe''. In 2022, he played the role of Antoine de Bourbon in Starz's '' The Serpent Queen'', alongside

Samantha Morton Samantha Jane Morton (born 13 May 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her work in independent film with dark and tragic themes, particularly in period dramas. She is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the BAFTA Fellowship ...

and Liv Hill. In 2023, he starred as Keith Holligan in the series 6 episode " Demon 79" of

Netflix Netflix is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service. The service primarily distributes original and acquired films and television shows from various genres, and it is available internationally in multiple lang ...

's '' Black Mirror'', alongside Anjana Vasan and in '' A Small Light'' as Victor Kugler.

Personal life

Burns is a lifelong supporter of Derby County Football Club. He has three sons.

Filmography

Film

Television

References

External links

Nicholas Burns
at the

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(imdb) {{DEFAULTSORT:Burns, Nicholas 1977 births Living people 21st-century English male actors Alumni of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art English male film actors English male television actors People educated at Repton School Place of birth missing (living people)