TV & Movies
The Wee English Fella on taking the lead InBig Boysand his friendship with Nicola Coughlan.
Its been a whirlwind few months for Dylan Llewellyn.
Llewellyn delivered a short but memorable performance in Danny Boyles Disney+ dramaPistol, starring Maisie Williams.
Im really grateful for it, and the ensemble cast made my job easy because theyre so talented.
However, Llewellyns journey to the screen wasnt without its difficulties.
I did an amazing self-tape.
I thought I smashed it, the actor tells me of his first audition for the series.
Admitting it was a big moment for him, Llewellyn recalls: It was so surreal.
I was a bit starstruck when I first jumped on the call.
The actor politely declines to reveal what role he initially auditioned for.
In fact, the band was called The Swankers when Nightingale was still on board.
However, playing a relatively unknown person did have its perks.
The actor got to experience band camp alongside his co-stars, and it was somewhat of a challenge.
I cant play an instrument to save my life.
I was terrible on the recorder at school, he laughs.
I had to learn guitar.
I learned the one song we needed to perform.
Interestingly, Llewellyn had met Rooke and heard about his upcoming TV series during a chance encounter.
I met Jack through Nicola.
I went to Edinburgh Fringe to be Nicolas cheerleader, as she was performing, he tells me.
We came across Jacks show after.
Nicola became good friends with him, and then she told me he was making a pilot.
A couple of weeks later, my agent had me audition for the part.
On screen, Jack and his mum share a special connection.
When hes feeling down, she reads the TV guide to him.
In reality, this was one of many reasons that Llewellyn could relate to Jack.
Im similar with my mum, the actor muses.
I always make cups of tea for both of us, and well watchThe ChaseandTipping Pointtogether.
Its swept under the carpet, but its important we talk about things such as toxic masculinity.
These are important things were discussing.
The responsibility of taking part in this vital representation is not lost on Llewellyn.
A lot of young LGBT people never had that growing up.
Its amazing that were taking a step in the right direction, the actor remarks.
Revealing that people often use the address in real life, he says: Its always from Irish people.
Theres nothing better than hearing The Wee English Fella in an Irish accent.
I feel like Im an honorary Irishman, which I love.
Performing Lisa McGees writing was so fun, and Ill definitely miss playing James.
When I ask him of his highlights, two instantly come to mind.
But his most memorable on-set moment involved a certain man with aparticularset of skills.
Hes a Hollywood star!
It was such a surreal experience.
Theres no doubt that fans will eagerly be awaiting Llewellyns next move.
As it happens, hes very much focused on landing another gig.
Im just grinding and auditioning, trying to get that next job, the actor says.
Fingers crossed, I can land something soon.
