For actor James Nelson-Joyce, navigating the turbulent waters of the entertainment industry has been made easier by the steadfast support of a respected peer. The 37-year-old Liverpudlian, who has enjoyed a monumental past 12 months, credits fellow actor Stephen Graham with being a guiding force throughout his career.
A breakthrough year and a pivotal mentorship
James Nelson-Joyce's career reached new heights in the last year. He made his debut as Treacle Goodson in the Disney+ historical drama A Thousand Blows, created by Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight, playing younger brother to Stephen Graham's character, Sugar. Shortly after, his lead performance as Michael Kavanagh in the Liverpool-based drama This City Is Ours opposite Sean Bean earned him the Best Breakthrough Talent award at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards.
Reflecting on his relationship with Graham, which mirrors their on-screen dynamic, Nelson-Joyce revealed their bond began years ago. "Stephen's always been there to look after me," he stated. "He has always looked out for me, cared about me and put me in my place when I've been wrong." The actor first approached Graham and his wife, producer Hannah Walters, in a Nando's restaurant, an encounter that blossomed into a lasting professional and personal friendship.
Brotherly bonds and brutal drama in 'A Thousand Blows'
The second season of A Thousand Blows, which premiered on Friday 9 January 2026 on Disney+, delves deeper into the shattered relationship between Treacle and Sugar Goodson. Set in the gritty world of Victorian London's bare-knuckle boxing and criminal gangs, the new season finds Treacle broken and lonely, running the Blue Coat Arms pub after a brutal betrayal by his brother.
"Treacle couldn't have been Treacle without Sugar," Nelson-Joyce explained. "He's had this big brother that he's admired all his life... When Sugar breaks that respect and that love, it's like, where does Treacle go from here now? He's got nothing." He describes their fraught reunion as a confusing mix of resentment and enduring sibling love, a dynamic he found easier to channel due to his genuine affection for Graham.
Pride in his roots and advice for newcomers
Nelson-Joyce expressed immense pride in his Liverpool heritage, particularly regarding This City Is Ours. "Tourism really boomed, and it is a beautiful city. I'm so proud of where I'm from," he said, emphasising the importance of regional storytelling. "It's important for all cities to have their stories told... It's important to hear regional accents on telly."
With 16 years in the industry, the actor, who also starred in impactful dramas like Little Boy Blue, The Virtues, and Jimmy McGovern's Time, is keen to pay forward the support he received. His key advice for aspiring actors is direct: "Always be respectful, and never expect anything out of anyone, because not everyone's Stephen Graham," he advised. "Shoot your shot. Go for it. Someone doesn't know you're there unless you introduce yourself."
He also stresses the importance of finding genuine representation, sharing a heartwarming moment where he and his agent reflected on their successful partnership. As he looks to the future, Nelson-Joyce remains driven, citing a desire to work again with writer Jimmy McGovern, whom he calls "the best writer" he's ever encountered.
