Surrey-born Dylan Llewellyn, 29, began acting as a teenager while attending a special school for children with autism, dyslexia and developmental disabilities. His television credits include Call the Midwife, Holby City and Hollyoaks. He is best known for his role as James Maguire in the award-winning comedy Derry Girls, which recently returned for its third and final series.
Entering the latest Derry Girls series, how does it feel? Bitter. Lots of mixed emotions. The show has been such a big part of my life and it has helped me a lot personally. So I’m sad that it’s the end of an era, but happy because [creator] Lisa McGee wrote such a perfect ending. It feels like the right time to stop. Quality, not quantity.
It became Channel 4’s greatest comedy in 20 years. Did that surprise you? I knew it was good because what I wrote made me laugh. I could usually click on scripts, but that was very funny. What I couldn’t foresee was the way he hit such a chord. My phone pinged while charging, then I understood the numbers to watch. He was doing crazy tricks for a new comedy. Everyone was so supportive, especially the Irish. It’s like their baby.
You play the symbolic Englishman, but are you embraced by the locals? I’m an honorable Irishman, like Jack Charlton. Derry and Belfast’s slang crept into my vocabulary. I call things “mini” when they’re not even that small.
The Derry Girls mural in Derry, Northern Ireland. Photo: Adrian Langtry / Rex / Shutterstock
After the finale of the second series, do people shout “I’m a Derry girl!” To you? A little, which is wonderful. But basically they ask me not to be a bastard. “Don’t be crazy, James.” Okay, I’ll do my best.
The last series takes place in the 90s. Do you enjoy diving during this period? Definitely. When it comes to music, I’m more of a ’60s person, but I was born in the’ 90s, so that brings back memories. The Baby-G watches themselves make me nostalgic. The costume department allowed me to keep the strange item. The last series was the Doctor Who scarf. This time I received my school blazer, which I can sell at a charity auction.
The show has become part of pop culture: The Simpsons recently made a tribute, there’s a mural in Derry … This episode of The Simpsons is such a great nod, with ice cream called Dairy Girls. And I still can’t believe I’m 20 feet tall on a wall, especially since I’m English.
I would like to play a superhero. Wicca, maybe. Or a psychopath. I tend to play manic guys, but I’d like to be a bad boy
Was it emotional on the last day of filming? Everyone was shocked: “What the hell? This is our last day. ” There were many hugs, few tears, a few parties. It was very special. The girls have become like my sisters in the last four years.
Can there ever be a gathering or a separation? The series comes to a perfect conclusion, but I would like to watch a spin-off for Erin’s family. Or a show about Sister Michael [played by Siobhán McSweeney] called Derry Nuns.
What inspired you to pursue acting in your teens? Make a drama of the GCSE. Obviously, I never thought I would get to this point. My school is participating in a competition for the presentation of a short play at the National Theater. We won, I was intelligence and I haven’t looked back since. It was an amazing ride.
How has dyslexia affected your career? Sometimes learning scripts can be difficult, but only when switching is fast. If I have to learn something overnight, I say, “Wow, wait!” But it’s easier for me to learn scripts than to read books because of the way the scripts are distributed. I’m struggling with spelling more than reading, but I’m getting better. Being severely dyslexic meant that I was always behind in school. I had difficulties in the mainstream school, but as soon as I went to a specialized school – with children like me, smaller classes, more attention – it helped a lot. I will be forever grateful to More House in Farnham.
Llewellyn with Jamie-Lee O’Donnell in series three of Derry Girls. Photo: Peter Marley
Next month you will participate in the biographical series about Steve Jones Pistol. How was that experience? It was crazy to be directed by Danny Boyle. We had to pinch ourselves every day. I play Wally Nightingale, who founded the band. Before they were Sex Pistols, they were called Swankers, so he was a Swanker [laughs]. Steve Jones was a singer and Wally was a lead guitarist, after which he was unfortunately fired by Malcolm McLaren for wearing glasses. Which is a tragic reason to fire you from your own band, but I guess it didn’t fit the whole punk image of Vivienne Westwood. He was treated unfairly, Wally, but he is in our hearts.
Were you able to live out your fantasies of a rock star? I had to learn guitar. We had a band camp, we rehearsed all the time with professional musicians to help us. I’ve never picked up an instrument in my life – other than the recorder – but I got there. I know a song very well!
Later this year, you starred in the Channel 4 Big Boys comedy. What are you talking about? The experiences of my friend Jack Rook when he lost his father and left. This is a fun, beautiful age story that deals with difficult topics such as depression and men’s mental health. It is based on his book Cheer the F ** k Up, which I highly recommend. I play Jack and I basically did my research hanging out with him. It’s great to have more LGBTQ shows. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
What roles would you like to play in the future? I would like to play a superhero. Wicca, maybe. I have an assembly for Spider-Man, but I think I missed this boat. Or maybe a psychopath. I tend to play manic guys, but I’d like to be a bad boy. I would also like periodic drama. Nicholas [Coughlan, AKA Clare in Derry Girls] smashes it in Bridgerton. I can also do the RP accent. Maybe I can join her.
You are a super fan of Quentin Tarantino. Do you want to work with him? I would like. His characters are so colorful that it’s like a comic book in movie form. Maybe I can win it by showing him my Celebrity Mastermind video. Tarantino was my specialty and I won. The trophy is in a proud place on my ledge.
The third and final series of Derry Girls airs on Tuesday at 9.15pm on Channel 4. The Big Boys are coming to Channel 4 in May
Add Comment