James Nesbitt on failing first time and weird driving habits
James Nesbitt is starring in the second series of Stan Lee’s Lucky Man, which is airing on Friday nights on Sky 1
Last year was extremely busy for Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt, 52, as he filmed The Secret, Cold Feet and Stan Lee’s Lucky Man in succession. The in-demand dad-of-two talks to Susan Griffin about reaping the rewards of his success by owning a car he could live in – and confesses to a rather childlike habit behind the wheel!
What was your first car?
It was a Citroen that you could only get into by climbing through the window, given to me by Arabella Weir’s mother.
We did a show together, my first play, a musical tour of Up On The Roof and Arabella was in it and she gave me her mum’s old Citroen and that was my first car.
Did you pass your driving test first time?
I passed second time – and imagine failing your driving test in Northern Ireland when there was nothing to be tested at. I was failed for not making normal progress! I passed my driving test in my dad’s car, a Lada, which was like the old Russian cars. It was like driving a tank.
What’s your current car?
An Audi RS6, which is s**t off a shovel. It’s got a modified Lamborghini engine, very handy around East Dulwich I have to say!
But it’s a car I could live in. It’s the most beautiful, wondrous thing.
What’s your dream car?
An Audi RS6!
What do you listen to when you’re driving?
Radio 4, or Radio 4 Extra. Sometimes Classical and sometimes Radio 6. It’s not a karaoke car.
Do you consider yourself a good driver?
I think I’m a sensational driver. No, I do think I’m a good driver.
Do you have any bad habits?
I suck my thumb when I drive the car because I suck my thumb in life. My girls will often say to me when I’m driving, ‘Thumb dad, thumb.’ It’s a comfort thing.
What annoys you about other drivers?
Slow drivers do my head in and also people who don’t seem to enjoy driving.
Do you have a dream road trip you’d like to go on?
I’ve done a few. I’ve done San Francisco and the Big Sur down to California, which was incredible. I want to do the whole of Ireland myself one time. Start in the north and go the whole way round.
By Susan Griffin
