Strictly Come Dancing 2023 contestant Nigel Harman may be one of the darkest horses in this year’s BBC One dance contest. But how much do you know about the Casualty and EastEnders star? And who is his actress wife?
Nigel sounded nervy about his Strictly prospects when he was introduced as part of the 2023 line-up.
He swallowed his trepidation as he admitted he was a Strictly fan – and that he was filled with astonishment at taking part himself.
Nigel said at the time: “I’m amazed, excited, and terrified to be doing Strictly. As an armchair fan of the show I have watched in awe as people have twirled and gyrated across the screen. And now it’s my turn… gulp!”
Appearing on Lorraine to discuss his involvement, Nigel also joked about panicking about signing. He said during his ITV morning telly appearance: “As the days have crept up to this moment I’ve been going, what have I done? I’ve just stepped onto a rollercoaster so we’ll see what happens.”
Asked whether he’s the first on his feet and the dance floor, modest Nigel indicated he’s not necessarily the person to lead a conga, but he will be among those to get a party pumping with his moves.
He joked he usually needs a “bit of lubrication” to get dancing, adding: “I think I’m a better dancer than my mind is telling me.”
However, it seems the bookies may have more faith in West End stage veteran Nigel than he does.
Strictly 2023 Nigel Harman betting odds
When he was revealed for Strictly 2023, bettingsites.co.uk gave him odds of 14/1 to win the Glitterball trophy. Those odds went onto drop notably within a couple of weeks, with a revised pricing putting him at 6/1 to be victorious. This might also suggest Nigel is already a fan favourite with Strictly punters, before his pro partner has even been confirmed.
So could Nigel, 50, be among the top contenders for Strictly Come Dancing’s 21st series? If he’s going to be around for most of the run, there’s a few things you should probably know about him, based on the top enquiries typed into Google about Nigel Harman.
When was Nigel Harman in EastEnders?
Nigel memorably played Dennis Rickman in EastEnders, the lovechild of ‘Dirty’ Den Watts – and a man with a past. Introduced in April 2023, Dennis rapidly became one of Walford’s biggest players.
And even though Dennis was a bit of a pretty but stoic face, he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty when it came to the rough stuff with some of East London’s dodgiest characters that came near the Queen Vic.
Dennis eventually died at the end of 2005, when gangster Johnny Allen had him bumped off in the street. But to millions of EastEnders fans – and despite his questionable actions – Dennis remained a hero, having married his adopted sister Sharon. Dennis and Sharon also had a son together, Little Dennis, who drowned aged 13.
Nigel told Inside Soap earlier this year about his character’s brutal end: “I had a very strong instinct that I wanted to draw a line underneath the character. I think that’s why he’s resonated for so long.
“I wasn’t aware [how popular Dennis was] at the time. People still come up to me 20 years later [and that’s when] I’ve noticed the impact that Dennis has had.”
View this post on Instagram
Nigel Harman stage career
After leaving EastEnders, Nigel enjoyed several high profile theatre roles on the London stage for many years. Among his prolific roles were Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls and Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical.
Nigel also pulled up his trousers to play the role of Simon Cowell in the I Can’t Sing! The X Factor Musical for several months.
He has continued to perform in non-musical theatrical roles, too, headlining national tours for plays by Harold Pinter, David Mamet, Steven Berkoff, and many others.
Is Nigel Harman leaving Casualty?
Nigel joined Casualty as Dr Max Cristie, the new clinical lead of the emergency department, in February of this year.
The character was immediately thrust into the thick of the action. And it soon became apparent to viewers he is the estranged father of nurse Jodie Whyte.
However, any hopes of a happy reconciliation between the two may have been gazumped by Max’s kidney problems… and an apparent limit to how long he might be around. How long will Max live for? Find out more here – but beware, Casualty spoilers are at the link.
Is Nigel Harman married? Does he have a wife or partner?
Nigel married fellow performer Lucy Liemann in 2011. They share a daughter together who was born in 2012.
Her biggest role may be as Lucy in action flick The Bourne Ultimatum. But BBC sitcom fans will also recognise Lucy as Ellie Pattman, the headmistress in Rev.
Lucy has also appeared in The IT Crowd, Wild at Heart, Midsomer Murders, The Bill and Agatha Raisin.
But the couple are believed to have first met on the set of Hotel Babylon.
Is Nigel Harman on Instagram?
He is – find out more about Nigel’s huge interest in meditation by following him at @themeditatingactor.
Read more: Here’s your complete Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up – with full odds on who’ll win!
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.