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Last updated on the 26 March 2024 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Nicola Walker is a distinguished English actress, celebrated for her versatile performances in British television, theatre, radio and film. Nicola’s passion for acting emerged early in her life. She grew up with an older brother and attended Saint Nicholas School in Old Harlow, Essex and Forest School in Walthamstow. Her acting journey began at the age of 12 when she took acting classes, a decision inspired by her desire to communicate with boys. Despite her father’s skepticism, her mother’s encouragement was pivotal in nurturing her acting aspirations.
Nicola Walker’s academic pursuits led her to study English at New Hall, Cambridge, where she became the first member of her family to attend university. It was here that she joined the prestigious Cambridge Footlights, a breeding ground for comedic talent. During her time at Cambridge, she crossed paths with future Spooks writer David Wolstencroft and comedian Sue Perkins, who were part of the 1990 national tour. Perkins, who was supposed to be her “college mother,” famously borrowed Walker’s bike, got drunk and never returned it, a humorous anecdote that Walker recalls about her university days.
After graduating from Cambridge, Walker was offered a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. However, she chose to dive straight into her acting career, having already secured some roles and an agent. She shared a flat in London with Perkins, Sarah Phelps and Emma Kennedy, and performed at the Edinburgh Festival and the London Festival Fringe.
Nicola Walker’s television career took off in the late 1990s with her portrayal of Gypsy Jones in Channel 4’s adaptation of “A Dance to the Music of Time” and as English teacher Suzy Travis in Steven Moffat’s sitcom “Chalk.” Her breakthrough role came as Ruth Evershed in the spy drama “Spooks,” where she delivered a compelling performance from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2009 to 2011. Another notable role was DCI Cassie Stuart in the critically acclaimed series “Unforgotten,” which she played from 2015 to 2022.
Her talent has not gone unrecognised; Walker won the 2013 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” and received two BAFTA TV Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress for “Last Tango in Halifax.” Additionally, she has lent her voice to various Big Finish audio plays as Doctor Who companion Liv Chenka and in “The Lovecraft Investigations” as Eleanor Peck.
On a personal note, Nicola Walker is married to actor Barnaby Kay, and the couple has a son named Harry, born in 2006. Her personal life took center stage when she temporarily left “Spooks” to give birth to her son, only to return to the series later.
Suggested viewing
Unforgotten (2015)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3
“Unforgotten” is a British crime drama series that follows detectives Cassie Stuart and Sunny Khan as they investigate cold cases. With meticulous attention to detail, they uncover long-buried secrets, exposing the dark side of seemingly ordinary lives. The show explores the complexity of human relationships and the consequences of past actions.
Top cast: Nicola Walker, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Lewis Reeves, Peter Egan, Pippa Nixon, Alastair Mackenzie, Georgia Mackenzie, Ayesha Dharker.
River (2015)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.0  Detective Inspector John River, a highly respected and gifted police officer, grapples with the profound loss of his colleague. Struggling with his own troubled mind, River embarks on a relentless pursuit of a suspect through the sprawling streets of London, unaware of the tragic consequences his actions will bring. Top cast: Stellan Skarsgård, Nicola Walker, Adeel Akhtar, Lesley Manville, Owen Teale, Georgina Rich, Eddie Marsan, Turlough Convery, Sorcha Cusack. |
Last Tango in Halifax (2012)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4 “Last Tango in Halifax” is a heartwarming British drama series that revolves around Alan and Celia, childhood sweethearts who reunite in their seventies and decide to get married. As their families navigate their own challenges and secrets, the show explores love, family dynamics, and the complexities of life’s later stages. Top cast: Sarah Lancashire, Anne Reid, Derek Jacobi, Nicola Walker, Paul Copley, Tony Gardner, Josh Bolt, Dean Andrews, Nina Sosanya. |
Spooks (2002)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.3 “Spooks”, also known as “MI-5”, is a British espionage drama series that delves into the world of the British intelligence agency. The show follows a team of MI-5 agents as they tackle high-stakes missions, counter-terrorism operations, and internal threats. With constant danger and moral dilemmas, “Spooks” explores the complexities of national security and loyalty. Top cast: Peter Firth, Nicola Walker, Hugh Simon, Miranda Raison, Rupert Penry-Jones, Anna Chancellor, Hermione Norris, Keeley Hawes, David Oyelowo. |
Annika (2021)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1 “Annika” is a crime drama series based on the successful BBC Radio 4 drama. It follows the brilliant and quirky Detective Annika Strandhed as she solves complex cases in the marine homicide unit of the Scottish police force. With her sharp wit and unconventional methods, Annika unravels mysteries while juggling her personal life. Top cast: Nicola Walker, Silvie Furneaux, Katie Leung, Jamie Sives, Kate Dickie, Varada Sethu, Paul McGann, Saskia Ashdown, Hannah Donaldson. |
Full filmography (@Wikipedia)
Nicola Walker Gallery
MAINSTREET PICTURES FOR ITV UNFORGOTTEN Pictured: NICOLA WALKER as DC I CASSIE STUART. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: Patrick.smith@itv.com 07909906963
