Uxbridge bodybuilder gets his big break with role in gangster film

Nigel St Lewis, 33, has a starring role in the British gangster film Full English Breakfast, playing the part of Pete, head doorman of a nightclub and a key player in his boss’ criminal empire.

The actor was able to draw on his experience as a professional bodybuilder, a career which saw him scoop the prize of World Natural Bodybuilding Champion in November 2013 while he was still filming.

“Bodybuilding is a no-nonsense sport,” Nigel said. “Pete is a head doorman. He’s a physically intimidating individual. My physical appearance most definitely played its part in landing me this role.”

Nigel stars in the film alongside former London gangster Dave Courtney, who has since turned his hand to writing books and acting.

In fact, the cast was a major draw for Nigel, who said he would have been crazy to turn down the opportunity.

He added: “The cast and crew were extremely professional. I learnt so much on set and I remain grateful to the casting director.”

It’s a dream come true for the Trinidad and Tobago-born star, who moved to the UK in his early teens after his father was murdered.

He joined the British armed forces in 1998 for a four-year stint, a period he credits with helping him wise-up about both healthy eating and training.

He said: “I continued on with my training and, in July 2011, I entered my first show as a novice bodybuilder and won.

“I became British champion with not one but both natural bodybuilding federations in the UK. This was pretty much unheard of for a novice at the time.”

Nigel says he plans to build on his acting but is keen to keep up his bodybuilding.

“I draw a lot of inspiration from the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwayne Johnson,” he said. “I tell myself ‘if they can do it, so can I’.”

Full English Breakfast is released on DVD on April 7. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/FullEnglishBreakfastFilm