Nathan Braniff stars in BBC One’s Blue Lights as probationary officer Tommy Foster, a Belfast recruit learning the complex realities of frontline policing. With a mix of vulnerability and determination, Braniff brings authenticity and heart to a role that captures the pressures, risks, and resilience of life in uniform.

Blue Lights has been an enormous hit – how does it feel to see audiences connect so strongly with your character?

It’s incredibly rewarding as an actor. I felt a real connection to this character when he was just words on a page, so knowing I’ve been able to pass that on to audiences is really special.

Your character mixes humour with intense emotional moments. How do you approach finding that balance on screen?

You definitely have to pick your moments. The writers, Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn, give you great clues in the script, so when you see those opportunities, you run with them. But sometimes, in the middle of a take, something new will come out that wasn’t there before — and that’s when you just embrace it. That unpredictability creates the rollercoaster of emotions, good and bad. We’re all constantly juggling emotions in life, so when you tap into that honestly, the balance finds itself.

Were there particular scenes that pushed you emotionally or were especially challenging to film?

Plenty! But I think the toughest was when Tommy had to report his girlfriend for not following proper protocol. When I first read it, my reaction was: noooo, he wouldn’t do that. But the more I sat with it, the more I realised he was doing it for her own good. I couldn’t help but think, if I was struggling with it as me, how much worse must Tommy have felt? It’s like being pulled in two opposite directions. Finding that truth on the day was really hard but I think we got there in the end.

Since starring in Blue Lights, your profile has grown significantly. How has this influenced your approach to acting and choosing roles? 

Honestly, it hasn’t changed me much at all. I’m still the same person I was before, and my approach stays the same: do the research, know the lines inside and out, and make sure my body and mind are in the best place to give myself the best shot at performing on the day.

Where do you draw inspiration from to bring both sharpness and emotional depth to your performance? 

I’m lucky to be surrounded by brilliant actors on set, many of whom have years of experience. I often just watch them, pick things up, and learn. That’s a huge source of inspiration for me.

How do you decompress or switch off after filming such intense material?

Exercise is my big switch-off. Whether it’s running, lifting weights, or martial arts, I just throw the headphones in or turn the music up and move. It’s like a complete brain reset.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors in Northern Ireland hoping to break into TV drama?

Northern Ireland can be a tough place to step outside the box. There’ll always be doubters or haters ready to knock you down a peg. My advice: don’t listen to any of it. Take no consideration of anyone who says you can’t do something. Be relentless, be creative, and make your own luck.

Lastly, if you had the opportunity to ReVamp anything in the world, what would it be and why?

I’d revamp police body armour. I had to wear it while playing Tommy, and I couldn’t even get my seatbelt off with it on! I can’t imagine having to run, chase, and fight crime every day. It definitely needs a revamp — lighter, more breathable, and easier to move in. The officers who wear it deserve that.

Blue Lights is on BBC One tonight at 9 pm, airing weekly, and all episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.