Actors 0

Nic English

By Matt Myers · On May 2025

The lovable and charming Robbie Carter in Ten Pound Poms is not far removed from the actor portraying him – the talented Nic English.

You play Robbie the immigration photographer in Ten Pound Poms. How did you build the character?

Nic English: During season one, the role gradually developed. On set, I would chat with Michelle Keegan, who plays my love interest, Kate, and we’d discuss what we wanted to establish. I also researched the camera equipment and processing of the Ten Pound Poms. My Nonna is an Italian immigrant who came to Australia, and it’s not quite the same, but the elements of immigrating to another country are. My Nonna felt disconnected from her homeland but also didn’t feel fully Australian either. My character Robbie doesn’t have that experience, but I think all that played into the sense of empathy I wanted him to have. You can see in the show how the reaction to immigrants from Australians could be quite harsh and unwelcoming. I’ve always felt that Robbie sat differently and had a big heart. He’s empathetic and doesn’t see differences in people as being limiting.

What’s it like acting in a period drama?

I’ve been lucky enough to be cast in a few, and I love them. I love the Fifties and Sixties and have a bit of a nerd thing for the fashion and tailoring of that era. I’ve discovered things from the show’s costume designers, such as how pleated pants went out of fashion. I find all that fascinating. I spend so much time in jeans or chinos, and now I get to wear high-waisted pleated pants, which is so great for getting into character. I’ve started wearing them in everyday life!

Nic English (Robbie) with Michelle Keegan in Ten Pound Poms Photo credit: Lisa Tomasetti

You’ve also been on Home and Away, Rosehaven, Wellmania and others. Has there been a favourite?

They’ve all been special in different ways. Rosehaven was my first television job, and I learned a lot there, and Joe Vs. Carole was also special because it was the biggest thing I had done, and I got to work with John Cameron Mitchell (Rabbit Hole). Then of course there’s Ten Pound Poms. I love Robbie’s character, especially now when we see him under pressure and challenged. Being able to extend the character has been wonderful.

You also played John in Holding the Man in Adelaide. What was that experience like?

That was one of my first roles and was amazing. I love that story. A friend of mine played the same role last year at the Belvoir Theatre and it was beautiful to revisit. I thought, “This lives somewhere in me”. Playing John, the Italian football star who falls in love with an eccentric, boisterous drama kid, was a brilliant role. I love what it represented for queer men in the arts. I felt a great sense of responsibility to do it justice. My worst fear was that John or Tim’s family would come to see it and think it’s not right. Thankfully, they loved it.

Nic English Photo credit: Rebecca Hitch

And you also met the legendary LGBTIQ+ activist Ian Purcell?

Yes, I did a lot of work with Ian while researching Holding the Man. Sadly he’s no longer with us. He was the godfather of the gay community in Adelaide, and I found him to be a fountain of knowledge. He was so excited to see our production of Holding the Man. In my research, I discovered a lot, such as how Australia had a lot more agency in terms of policymaking as opposed to the United States. I was in my early 20s and had no idea about this. I spoke to my mum about it, and she had lost a few friends during that time. My mum didn’t particularly like the Eighties because of that. I’ve also discovered there is joy in queer stories from that time, but there was also fear and danger as well. The thing I love about those stories is how they highlight a sense of resilience despite what was going on.

“I love what Holding The Man represented for queer men in the arts”.

You’ve narrated audiobooks for authors, including Holden Sheppard’s Invisible Boys. What did you think of that?

I love Holden! I’ve never met him in person, but I’ve audio-read both Invisible Boys and The Brink. I love Invisible Boys. I haven’t watched the series yet, because I want to binge it over a weekend. I’ve chatted a lot with Holden and he’s so supportive and encouraging. Most importantly, he loves my work, which is great because I love his. I’m thrilled that he’s extending his writing into television and film. When I read Invisible Boys, even as an audiobook, I thought, “This feels like scene work”, in the best way. Invisible Boys is so beautifully crafted and drawn out. It has something to say about the world that those characters live in, and I love that.

Nic English (Robbie) with Michelle Keegan in Ten Pound Poms Photo credit: Lisa Tomasetti

Have you been out clubbing with your gay mates?

Yes, but I’m getting too old for it now! When I first came to Sydney, a big part of that was going out. I had left NIDA, and we’d all go to Stonewall on Oxford Street and to Ching-A-Lings rooftop bar. Gosh, it makes me exhausted just thinking about that period of my life, but I also feel so grateful to have had it.

What’s your irresistible dancefloor song?

I love Beyonce’s Love on Top with the way it starts slow and builds. I think there’s about seven key changes! I also love Dancing On My Own by Robyn and Break the Rules by Charli XCX. Dancefloor songs need to have a balance where everybody’s familiar with the song and when they get on board, it just goes off!

Who is your music diva?

Nina Simone. I saw a tribute act one year at the Adelaide Festival where the performer sang her songs and spoke about her life. She explained about the one time she got to meet Nina and saw her scream at her driver. She decided to leave! Big diva energy, but what an incredible woman.

Nic English Photo credit: Rebecca Hitch

Who would you turn gay for?

Well, he’s no longer alive, but I have a big crush on Paul Newman. There’s something innately charismatic about him., mainly because I’ve been watching a lot of 1960’s films in the lead-up to my next play Big Girls Don’t Cry. Then there’s also Luke Evans from The Fast and Furious movies – well and truly living!

Do you have a favourite quote?

“Be exceptional at all the things that don’t require any talent”. Being an actor, a lot of things are out of your control, but there are things that you can do. For instance, it requires no talent to be on time, to learn your lines or to be a good cast or company member. It also requires no talent to be caring and kind. Sometimes we can forget all that. I think there’s an emotional vulnerability about being an actor and sometimes that can get in the way, and you can forget why you’re there.

Who has been your biggest influence in the industry?

I couldn’t do what I do without my family, who have been a huge emotional support. There have been times when I’ve wondered if I should continue doing this, and they have always encouraged me to keep going. Professionally, some of my directors along the way have shaped me. Judy Davis directed me in a show during NIDA and to be honest, that was worth my HECS debt. To have somebody that exceptional at their craft to say you’re good, but to also say it’s not enough and to find what else I can offer – that changed the way I work. It made me think I deserve to be in this profession, to embrace my curiosity and always work harder.

“The thing I love about those queer stories is how they highlight a sense of resilience despite what was going on.”

Do you have a grooming tip?

Match your hair product to its length, otherwise it doesn’t quite work. It also took me way too long to invest in quality bedding. My advice to young men is to spend some money and get good quality pure linen sheets and have more than one pillow. It’ll all make you feel better about yourself.