Interviews Nathan Sussex by DJ Forrest

A Catch Up with Nathan!

It’s been a while since we last chatted to Nathan, so it was great to catch up and chat over his latest role, now sadly finished, but what an ending to a fantastic storyline on the soap Hollyoaks.

Hi Nathan, playing a character such as the football coach, what were your initial feelings about playing Buster, and did you know the extent of Buster's history at the beginning?

Nathan: I wasn’t told very much about the storyline when I first auditioned for the part, they tend to keep tight lipped about storyline and characters (in case it gets leaked) that early in the audition process but I was told that he was a successful sportsman with a dark secret.

How far ahead, episode wise do you record up to?

Nathan: Hollyoaks are about 2 months ahead in the filming schedule so when you are filming scenes outside in January you are actually filming spring scenes so it can get very chilly indeed when you are wearing short sleeved costumes.

You had a lot of support from the Manchester Survivors Charity how harrowing was it hearing the survivor’s stories, did it create a lot of sleepless nights, thinking about them and how much pressure is on you to portray a character similar to the real-life coach serving time at HMP?

Nathan: Survivors Charity were instrumental in the storyline’s success. We had tremendous support throughout, and they were always on hand to discuss any issues or concerns and we would have regular meetings with them because it was important to them that we got the story right and it was told truthfully. Some of the stories we were told were very emotional and we also had Steve Waters (Offside Trust) on board who was one of the first men to come forward which catapulted the Barry Bennel case.

Have you faced any backlash from the storyline as Buster?

Nathan: I get asked this a lot, and to be honest, I haven’t had any negative response from the public. Fans of the show were so invested in the characters and the story that when I get asked, they are so supportive and love talking about the storyline.

Francesca Gorman, who won the signed script from you, asks: How did you prepare yourself for the storyline?

Nathan: Good question! Obviously, it’s a very sensitive subject to delve into so I used what resources were available online and read a lot about the Bennel case which was happening at the same time we were filming our scenes and I also spoke with Survivors (charity) I was given a lot of insight into the world of a perpetrator.

How do you unwind after each shoot from playing Buster?

Nathan: My filming days were very long on Hollyoaks but you do get some downtime as you are not needed every day so I would explore parts of Liverpool which has some great sights and of course I would socialise with some of the cast who I became really good friends with. I had to relocate to Liverpool, so it got quite lonely at times so mixing with cast was really nice.

You've posted up a fair few photos of your time in the Village with the lads - will you be keeping in touch with everyone once filming has come to an end?

Nathan: I do love a selfie...or two! It’s inevitable when working so closely with people that you strike up friendships very quickly and I became close to a few of my cast members particularly Gary Lucy (Luke) and my little family unit Jacob Roberts (Damon) & Adam Woodward (Brody) and not forgetting Aedan Duckworth (Ollie) who I had most of my scenes with.  I do text them from time to time to see how they are, and I speak to Lysette Anthony (Marnie) Harvi Virdi (Dr Malek) I was really lucky to work with such lovely and generous people

It's now January, and the trial is just starting. Buster has pleaded not guilty and so it's going to be a lengthy process unless Ollie fails to show for court. Another face in the courtroom means that there's possibly another victim of his abuse. Will the court story extend beyond January or will your story end this month?

Nathan: For now, Buster has been sentenced and will carry out his time in prison, there are no plans to extend the story but, with Soapland, never say never!

From playing a recurring role in Emmerdale as a police officer, to playing Buster in Hollyoaks - has this role elevated you to someone we should be expecting to see a lot more of in the future - because I want to see you in bigger roles after Hollyoaks? Have you had offers coming in since playing Buster?

Nathan: I feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity and as actors we all want to be able to work regularly and make a living from this profession but, it is a very precarious industry and one that doesn’t offer the security that a regular job does. A show like Hollyoaks does raise your profile a bit and puts you on the Radar but doesn’t necessarily guarantee you work so for now I am back to being a jobbing actor and auditioning for roles when they come up.

Some actors who play such definitive roles, take away a sense of pride or understanding of their characters, like a humbling experience. What have you taken away from playing Buster? What has Buster taught you?

Nathan: That’s a difficult question but a good one! I guess the only thing I have learnt from Buster is the awareness of such an issue and the effect people like him have on lives.

John Barrowman survived the 'jungle' in November/December 2018 - would you ever consider entering I'm a Celebrity, or does this kind of telly not appeal to you?

Nathan: I would never rule out the possibility of the jungle. I would probably make great TV as I would struggle eating what they eat in there, I have a very weak stomach. Let’s just leave it at that.

Do you have a new role in the pipeline that you can share with us?

Nathan: Straight after Hollyoaks I made a Horror Thriller called “The Wrong Place” which was shot on location in South Wales which will be out this year and may make an appearance on one of the streaming channels and I will be filming another Horror in March called “Next Door” which is an anthology of short films which actually stars a few ex soap actors that you will recognise. Other than that, I am auditioning for a few roles so I may have more to report later in the year.

Thank you so much for the interview, Nathan. 

Photograph credits go to Lime Pictures and Claire Cousins Photography (headshot)