Some Time With… Ben Peel: “I have been blessed to have worked on both great films and television and have enjoyed both immensely.”

Northern Irish actor Ben Peel studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where he moved around 11 years ago from Belfast, and where he lives happily married with his wife and daughter.

He is well known for a number TV series like BBCNI hit 6 Degrees and also films, including the Steve McQueen’s multi-award winning feature film Hunger, BAFTA winner, Golden Camera Winner Cannes, and a total of 30 international awards.

Last year he played one of the main roles together with April Pearson (Skins) at Greg Zinger’s The Engagement, for GE Films. What’s next for Ben Peel.

Q What did make you go to drama school? Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?

A I think deep down I have always wanted to be an actor, but I went to an all boys school where there wasn’t a drama department. I went to a fantastic teacher outside of school called Gwyneth Murdock who encouraged me to go to drama school. She really believed in 3 years of working hard on learning the craft.

Q There isn’t much about you on the net. Are you keeping your distance from the media?

A There isn’t much on the Internet about me for a couple of reasons. One, I hate technology. I don’t have twitter or Facebook. And the second is just being a little lazy. It’s something I think I’m going to work on.

Q Most of your work is TV series related. Is that by choice? Do you enjoy more filming for television than movies or theatre?

A I don’t really have a preference in terms of the medium I work in. I have been blessed to have worked on both great films and television and have enjoyed both immensely. I haven’t done theatre in years, and although I still have an interest, my heart lies with TV and film.

Q Hunger was a super hit that won many awards. How does it feel to be part of something like that?

A Hunger was fantastic to be part of and an amazing first film for me to work in. It opened a lot of doors and was a great experience working with a director who has now made a huge impact in cinema.

Q Tell me about your latest project. What’s on the horizon for you?

A I have a few films coming out soon. Anti-Social, which is directed by Reg Traviss. A London crime drama we filmed in Budapest. A TV show on Channel 5 called Suspects, which is completely improvised and was great fun. I am currently filming episodes of Holby City for the BBC.

Tags: 6 Degrees, Anti-Social, April Pearson, BBC, Ben Peel, Central School of Speech and Drama, Channel 5, GEFilms, Great Expectations Films, Greg Zinger, Holby City, Hunger, Paloma Fraile, Reg Traviss, Skins, Steve McQueen, Suspects, The Engagement