Nigel Harman

Nigel Derek Harman (born 11 August 1973) is an English actor. Beginning his career as a child actor, he has played various roles across theatre, stage and television, including as Sky Masterson in Michael Grandage's revival of Guys and Dolls and as Lord Farquaad in the original London production of Shrek the Musical, for which he received an Olivier Award.

Harman rose to prominence for his portrayal as Dennis Rickman in the BBC soap opera EastEnders (2003–2005). The role earned him a National Television Award, three British Soap Awards, and four Inside Soap Awards. He has landed other acting roles in The Bill, Downton Abbey, Doctors, Mount Pleasant, and Casualty.

Early life Harman grew up in Woldingham, Surrey, and was educated at Dulwich College. However, he found school difficult: "I was never comfortable sitting down. I always wanted to get involved in something, not just learn and write. I was in so much trouble I had my own desk in detention." His father was a bank manager, but also involved in amateur dramatics including work with Croydon Operatic and Dramatic Association (CODA), an interest which was passed on to Harman. His mother was also involved in the productions, but she died when Harman was 18.

Career Early career By the age of eight, Harman had a manager, and in 1984, he made his first major television appearance in the BBC One drama series Tenko, which was followed by appearances in Alas Smith and Jones (1986) and The Honey Siege (1987). He then turned his hand to larger theatre roles, appearing in productions such as Privates on Parade, Much Ado About Nothing and Summer Holiday. He trained at Arts Educational Schools in London and was in the original cast of Mamma Mia!. Harman also performed in musicals on cruise ships for six and a half months, but later told Paul O'Grady that he hated the experience. Having only worked on the stage and in musical theatre since leaving school, Harman was determined to expand into television, and pursued TV roles. He had minor parts in episodes of Red Cap, Doctors and Coupling, but had to support himself by taking jobs at Pizza Hut and as a driver for supermarket chain Sainsbury's.

EastEnders In 2003, he was cast in the high-profile role of Dennis Rickman in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. At the time, Harman was working as a delivery driver for supermarket chain Sainsbury's when he learned he had got the role. Harman left EastEnders on 5 November 2005, and his final episode was aired on 30 December 2005, in which Dennis was stabbed to death in the street by one of Johnny Allen's (Billy Murray) henchmen, later revealed to be Danny Moon.

Theatre work After leaving EastEnders in December 2005, Harman appeared as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at the Piccadilly Theatre,

In October 2006, Harman appeared in the Harold Pinter play The Caretaker at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, For his performance, he won the Olivier Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Musical and Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical.

In August 2013, it was announced Harman would play the role of Simon Cowell in the West End musical I Can't Sing! The X Factor Musical, which opened in February 2014 at the London Palladium. Despite positive reviews, the musical closed in May. The same year, Harman was revealed as the director for the UK tour of Shrek The Musical, In March and April 2025 Harman starred in the London première of Jean-Philippe Daguerre’s play Farewell Mister Haffmann, adapted by Jeremy Sams, at the Park Theatre. Harman played the villain Fleshcreep in the Christmas pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from December 2025 to January 2026.

Film and television work Harman's success on television and stage has facilitated a move into other television and film roles. In 2006, he played the leading role in the one-off drama thriller The Outsiders,

In 2011, Harman appeared in an episode of Agatha Christie's Marple. From 2013 until the series ended in 2017, he played Bradley Dawson in Mount Pleasant.

In August 2023, it was announced that Harman would appear as a contestant on the twenty-first series of Strictly Come Dancing. He was partnered with Katya Jones. He had to step down from the competition due to an injury hours before the quarter final on 2 December 2023.

Personal life Harman married actress Lucy Liemann in 2011. The couple have a daughter.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2006 Blood Diamond News Reporter #1 2008 R.I.P. TV Jake Short Telstar Jess Conrad

Television

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Work Result 2003 9th National Television Awards Most Popular Newcomer EastEnders 2004 British Soap Awards Best Newcomer EastEnders 2004 British Soap Awards Sexiest Male EastEnders 2004 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Male EastEnders 2005 British Soap Awards Best Actor EastEnders 2006 British Soap Awards Sexiest Male EastEnders