Nick Mohammed
Nick Mohammed is a British actor, comedian, and writer, born on 4 October 1980 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.[1] He is best known for creating and performing the egotistical magician character Mr. Swallow in live shows and on television, as well as for his portrayal of the ambitious kit man turned coach Nathan Shelley in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso (2020–2023), earning Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2021 and 2022.[2][3][4] Mohammed was raised by his Cypriot-born mother, a general practitioner of Greek Cypriot descent, and his Trinidadian-born father, an Indo-Caribbean legal professional.[5] He attended Abbey Grange High School in Leeds, where his English teacher inspired the high-pitched Northern accent and mannerisms of Mr. Swallow.[6] After declining an offer to study at the University of Cambridge, he earned a first-class degree in geophysics from Durham University in 2003, where he performed violin in the university orchestra and began exploring comedy.[7] He later commenced a PhD in seismology at Magdalene College, Cambridge, but left the program to pursue performing arts full-time.[6][8] Mohammed's career began with television appearances in sitcoms such as Miranda (2009–2013), Fresh Meat (2011–2016), and Reggie Perrin (2010), followed by writing and starring in his own BBC Radio 4 series.[2] He created, co-wrote, and starred as cybersecurity expert Joseph Harries in the Sky One sitcom Intelligence (2020–2021).[4] His film credits include supporting roles in The Martian (2015), Bridget Jones's Baby (2016), and voicing Piglet in Christopher Robin (2018).[4] An Associate of the Inner Magic Circle, Mohammed has toured extensively as Mr. Swallow, with shows like Show Pony (2025), and appeared in reality formats including Taskmaster (2024) and The Celebrity Traitors (2025).[9] He is married to a teacher and has three children: two sons and a daughter.[5]Early life and education
Childhood
Nicholas George Mohammed was born on 4 October 1980 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.[1] His mother was a Cyprus-born general practitioner of Greek Cypriot descent, while his father, an Indo-Caribbean originally from Trinidad, worked in law.[10][11] The family resided in Leeds, where Mohammed spent his early years immersed in the city's local culture and community.[12] Mohammed attended Green Road Primary School, followed by St Michael's College in Headingley, before progressing to Abbey Grange High School for his secondary education and sixth form.[12] During this period, he was exposed to various school activities that sparked his creative side, including influences from eccentric teachers who later inspired elements of his performances.[13] From a very young age, Mohammed showed a keen interest in magic and performance, receiving his first magic set around age four.[10] This early fascination grew into regular practice and performances, with him taking hour-long magic lessons starting at age 14 under a local tutor.[14] These childhood pursuits in entertainment laid the groundwork for his future career in comedy and acting, blending sleight-of-hand tricks with a desire to captivate audiences.[6]University studies
After declining an offer to study at the University of Cambridge, Mohammed enrolled at Durham University, where he studied geophysics at St Aidan's College, graduating in 2003 with a first-class Bachelor of Science degree.[1][15] Following his undergraduate studies, he began a PhD in seismology at Magdalene College, University of Cambridge, initially intending to pursue an academic career in geophysics.[16][17] During this time, Mohammed auditioned for and joined the Cambridge Footlights, the university's renowned student comedy troupe, where he performed in sketches and shows that ignited his passion for performance.[13][16] As he later reflected, "The Footlights made me realise that it might be possible to have a career in the arts […] – it was a privileged position to be in, frankly."[16] This involvement shifted his focus, leading him to drop out of the PhD program to pursue comedy professionally.[16][18] At Durham, Mohammed had explored extracurricular theatre through the Castle Theatre Company, including summer tours and performances at the Assembly Rooms, and performed violin in the university orchestra, though his attempts to join the university's comedy society, the Durham Revue, were unsuccessful after two auditions.[15][13] These early experiences laid a foundation for his later comedic pursuits, but it was the Footlights' collaborative environment at Cambridge that crystallized his decision to leave academia behind.[5][16]Career
Early comedy and television
Mohammed's professional comedy career began during his time at the University of Cambridge, where he joined the renowned Cambridge Footlights amateur group, performing in their revue at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This exposure led to his discovery by a BBC producer, marking his transition to television work. His earliest television appearance was in the surreal sketch show The Wrong Door (2008) on BBC Three, where he played multiple characters in its fast-paced, fantastical segments. He followed this with contributions to the CBBC sketch comedy series Sorry, I've Got No Head (2008–2011), where he contributed to various absurd and satirical sketches aimed at a young audience but appealing to adults through its irreverent humor.[19] Mohammed built his reputation through supporting roles in several British sitcoms, showcasing his versatile comedic timing. He later appeared as Steve, a hapless office worker, in the second series of BBC One's Reggie Perrin (2009–2010), a remake of the classic comedy exploring midlife crises. Representative of his mid-2010s work, roles like the university student Nas in Channel 4's Fresh Meat (2016) and the irritating promotions manager Malcolm in E4's Drifters (2013–2015) highlighted his ability to portray awkward, endearing everymen in ensemble casts.[20] A significant milestone came with Mohammed's creation of the workplace sitcom Intelligence for Sky One, which he also wrote and starred in, debuting in 2020 but developed from earlier ideas during his rising career. The series followed a team of cybersecurity experts at GCHQ, with Mohammed as the hapless analyst Joseph Harries alongside David Schwimmer's bombastic NSA liaison; it received mixed reviews for its timely tech satire but uneven pacing, praised for the leads' chemistry while critiqued for formulaic plotting.[21] Beyond television, Mohammed made early forays into film with a cameo as Tim Grimes, a NASA communications officer, in Ridley Scott's The Martian (2015), adding a touch of British dry wit to the sci-fi ensemble. His voice work began to emerge around this period, including voicing Piglet in Disney's live-action Christopher Robin (2018), blending his comedic roots with character animation. These experiences coincided with his growing interest in magic and ventriloquism, honed from childhood hobbies and Footlights performances, which informed his multifaceted approach to comedy without yet dominating his output.[22]Breakthrough with Ted Lasso
In 2020, Nick Mohammed auditioned for the role of Higgins in Ted Lasso but was later asked to self-tape for Nathan "Nate" Shelley during a lunch break while filming another project, Intelligence.[23][24] His background in British comedy, including roles in sitcoms like Fresh Meat and Stath Lets Flats, as well as live performances, suited the character's arc from a bullied, timid kit man to a confident yet conflicted coach, allowing him to infuse the role with nuanced vulnerability and humor.[13] Across the three seasons of Ted Lasso (2020–2023), Nate Shelley evolves from an overlooked AFC Richmond kit man in season 1, where Ted Lasso recognizes his tactical knowledge and promotes him after his inspiring "Nate the Great" locker-room speech, to a resentful assistant coach who betrays Ted by leaking his panic attack to the press and defects to rival West Ham United in season 2.[25][23] In season 3, Nate grapples with isolation and self-doubt as West Ham's head coach, leading to a redemption arc where he quits and reconciles with Ted, highlighting his internal turmoil and growth.[26] His relationships underscore this development: Ted serves as a mentor and father figure whose encouragement empowers Nate but whose perceived neglect fuels betrayal, while interactions with owner Rebecca Welton reveal Nate's frustrations with societal expectations, such as gender and class differences.[25][23] Mohammed's portrayal earned critical acclaim for seamlessly blending comedic elements in Nate's early underdog moments with dramatic depth in his villainous turn and redemption, culminating in Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2021 and 2022.[26][24] Reviewers praised the evolution as a highlight of the series' exploration of toxic masculinity and mental health, with Mohammed's performance noted for its authenticity in conveying Nate's loneliness and pettiness.[27] Behind the scenes, Mohammed collaborated closely with star and co-creator Jason Sudeikis on intense scenes, such as Nate's explosive confrontation with Ted in the season 2 finale, which left the cast emotional; Sudeikis helped channel the required rage by drawing on personal frustrations.[24] He also worked with co-creator Bill Lawrence and the writers to ensure Nate's arc felt organic, including filming in isolation during season 3 to mirror the character's alienation from the Richmond ensemble.[27][26] The role significantly boosted Mohammed's visibility in the US market, transforming him from a UK comedy staple into a recognized television figure, with fans approaching him as Nate at events across the country and even in England.[24][28] Described by Mohammed as "life-changing," the exposure from Ted Lasso's global success opened doors to broader opportunities while amplifying his established comedic profile.[23][28]Recent projects (2023–present)
Following the success of his role in Ted Lasso, Nick Mohammed expanded his screen presence into a mix of film, television, and variety formats from 2023 onward.[29] In 2023, Mohammed appeared in the black comedy mystery film Maggie Moore(s), directed by John Slattery, where he co-starred alongside Jon Hamm and Tina Fey as part of an ensemble investigating bizarre murders in a small desert town.[30] That same year, he provided the voice of the sinister Dr. Fry in the animated sequel Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, a Netflix production from Aardman Animations that continued the story of the original 2000 film with a focus on a chicken family's escape from a factory farm.[31] Mohammed's television work in 2024 included a lead role as Billy Blind, a magical fairy spirit granting powers to the protagonist, in the Disney+ historical fantasy series Renegade Nell, created by Sally Wainwright, which premiered on March 29 and blended adventure with 18th-century English folklore. He also competed as a contestant on series 17 of the BAFTA-winning comedy panel show Taskmaster on Channel 4, starting March 28, where he finished fifth overall with 131 points amid tasks involving creative problem-solving and humor. By 2025, Mohammed joined the espionage thriller Slow Horses for its fifth season on Apple TV+, debuting September 24, in which he portrayed ambitious London Mayor Zafar Jaffrey, a recurring ensemble figure entangled in MI5 intrigue and political deception.[32] He further embraced reality television as a contestant on the BBC's The Celebrity Traitors, a 2025 spin-off of the deception game show, where his strategic gameplay and comedic timing made him a breakout star during the series' intense banishment rounds and finale.[33] Additionally, Mohammed starred as Hugh, one of three improv actors recruited for an undercover police operation, in the action comedy Deep Cover on Prime Video, released in 2025 and co-starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Orlando Bloom in a story of mistaken identities amid London's criminal underworld.[34] Complementing these projects, Mohammed launched his Show Pony tour in April 2025, reviving his acclaimed ventriloquist character Mr. Swallow for a UK and Ireland run of live comedy performances that extended into additional dates through high demand, with new dates announced into 2026.[35] This period marked a career pivot toward diverse ensemble roles in prestige dramas like Slow Horses and Renegade Nell, alongside high-profile variety appearances on Taskmaster and The Celebrity Traitors, showcasing his versatility beyond lead comedic parts.[36]Stage and magic performances
Mr. Swallow character
Mr. Swallow is the alter-ego of British comedian and actor Nick Mohammed, a campy, egotistical magician character known for blending stand-up comedy with sleight-of-hand illusions and ventriloquistic elements.[2] The persona originated during Mohammed's time at the University of Cambridge, where he first performed it at a Footlights Smoker event in the Corpus Playroom, drawing inspiration from an eccentric English teacher at his secondary school whose distinctive voice and mannerisms shaped the character's prissy, highly strung demeanor.[16] Mohammed, a trained ventriloquist and member of The Magic Circle, infused the role with influences from chaotic comedy magicians like Tommy Cooper, incorporating deliberate flubs and real magic tricks that often veer into absurd, foul-mouthed rants for comedic effect.[37][38] The character's arrogant, know-it-all traits—manifesting as a northern Englishman obsessed with trivia, maths, and self-aggrandizing boasts—allow Mohammed to showcase his eidetic memory and illusion skills, such as card predictions and audience mind-reading, while interacting directly with viewers to heighten the chaos, often pulling volunteers into botched tricks or improvised heckles.[2] This fusion of technical magic with character-driven humor evolved through early Edinburgh Fringe appearances starting around 2006, where small audiences grew into cult followings, emphasizing Mr. Swallow's evolution from a solo sketch to a full-fledged performer who critiques his own failures in real time.[39] Key performances highlight the persona's growth, including the 2014 Edinburgh show Mr. Swallow – The Musical, a satirical vehicle for the character's delusions of grandeur, and the 2017 West End transfer of Mr. Swallow: Houdini, where he portrayed the escapologist in a faux-biographical musical complete with tank escapes and audience-assisted illusions.[40] Later tours like Mr. Swallow and the Vanishing Elephant (2018) integrated large-scale props and group dynamics, while the 2023–present Show Pony production—with additional dates extended into 2026, including shows in the UK and Ireland—features meta-commentary on fame, magic mishaps, and personal anecdotes. Mohammed made his U.S. stage debut as Mr. Swallow at New York's Town Hall in June 2023.[41][42][35][9] Mr. Swallow has developed into a multimedia franchise beyond stage tours, appearing in BBC Radio 4 sketches, Sky One shorts like Mr. Swallow's Valentine (2017), and panel show cameos such as on 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, where the character's disruptive energy amplifies audience participation through memory feats and impromptu songs.[43][44][45] Technically, performances rely on seamless illusion integration—Mohammed's real-time sleight-of-hand, like vanishing objects or forced predictions, combined with ventriloquism for voice modulation during multi-character bits—creating an interactive spectacle that blurs failure and mastery for maximum comedic impact.[37]Other theatre work
Mohammed began his stage career with the Cambridge Footlights, joining the renowned student revue group during his postgraduate studies. He appeared in their touring productions, including Beyond a Joke in 2004 and Under the Blue, Blue Moon in 2005, performing sketches and character pieces that honed his comedic timing and versatility in ensemble settings.[46] Throughout the 2000s and early 2010s, Mohammed participated in various Edinburgh Fringe Festival productions, contributing to fringe theatre through collaborative comedy ensembles and solo sketch shows such as The Forer Factor in 2006. These early fringe experiences emphasized scripted ensemble work and improvisational elements, building on his Footlights foundation without relying on ventriloquism.[5][47] In 2024, Mohammed wrote and starred in the West End comedy musical A Christmas Carol (ish) at Soho Place, portraying multiple characters including Ebenezer Scrooge in a fast-paced, all-singing adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic tale. The production, which ran from November 16 to December 31 following a sold-out developmental run at Soho Theatre in 2022, featured a cast including Martha Howe-Douglas and David Elms, blending physical comedy with narrative flair.[48][49] Extending his theatre contributions into 2025, Mohammed made a guest appearance in the stage adaptation Inside No. 9: Stage/Fright at Wyndham's Theatre, a one-night-only event that showcased his dramatic range in the anthology series' live format. This role highlighted his ability to integrate subtle magical illusions from his broader performance background into ensemble-driven narratives.[50]Filmography
Film
- The Martian (2015) – Tim Grimes, JPL engineer.[51]
- The Darkest Universe (2016) – Benny, supporting role.[52]
- Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016) – Casper, fashion assistant.
- Bridget Jones's Baby (2016) – Ariyaratna, area manager.
- The Sense of an Ending (2017) – Postman Danny, delivery role.
- Christopher Robin (2018) – Piglet (voice), Hundred Acre Wood resident.
- The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) – Short Butler, household staff.[53]
- Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023) – Dr. Fry (voice), villainous accomplice.[54]
- Maggie Moore(s) (2023) – Deputy K. Reddy, wisecracking officer.
- Deep Cover (2025) – Hugh, improv actor.
Television
Mohammed's television career spans a variety of comedy and drama roles, beginning with sketch shows and sitcoms before leading to prominent series credits.- Sorry, I've Got No Head (2008–2011, CBBC): Appeared in various sketches as part of the ensemble cast.[55]
- The Wrong Door (2008–2009, BBC Three): Featured in multiple episodes in supporting roles.[56]
- Reggie Perrin (2009–2010, BBC One): Played Steve, a sycophantic colleague, across both series (9 episodes).[57]
- Miranda (2010, BBC One): Guest appearance as Pete in series 2, episode 2.[58]
- Life's Too Short (2011, BBC Two): Supporting role in the series.[59]
- Fresh Meat (2016, Channel 4): Portrayed Nas in series 4, episode 2.[60]
- Drifters (2013, E4): Played the annoying promotions manager in series 1.[61]
- Hank Zipzer (2014–2016, CBBC): Recurring as Mr. Love, the music teacher (20 episodes).
- Uncle (2014, BBC Three): Appeared as Roopesh in series 1.
- Cuckoo (2014–2018, BBC Three/BBC One): Played a policeman in multiple episodes across series.
- Intelligence (2020–2024, Sky One/Sky Max): Creator, writer, and star as tech analyst Joseph Harries (13 episodes over 3 seasons, including a season 3 special).[62]
- Ted Lasso (2020–2023, Apple TV+): Portrayed kit man and later coach Nathan "Nate the Great" Shelley in all 34 episodes.
- Taskmaster (2024, Channel 4): Contestant in series 17 (10 episodes).[63]
- Slow Horses (2025, Apple TV+): Guest as Mayor Zafar Jaffrey in season 5 (4 episodes).
- The Celebrity Traitors (2025, BBC One): Contestant and Traitor in the celebrity edition (9 episodes).[33]
Theatre
Mohammed began his stage career in the early 2000s as a member of the Cambridge Footlights, contributing to several revue productions during his time at the University of Cambridge.[64][65]Awards and nominations
Emmy Awards
Nick Mohammed received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his portrayal of Nathan Shelley in the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. He was nominated twice in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category, first at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards in 2021 and again at the 74th in 2022.[68][69] The nominations are determined through a peer-voted process by the Television Academy's Performers Peer Group, which reviews submissions from eligible programs aired between June 1 of the previous year and May 31 of the nomination year. For the 73rd Emmys, covering the 2020–2021 eligibility period, Mohammed's nomination was announced on July 13, 2021, alongside five other nominees, with Ted Lasso co-stars Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt, and Jeremy Swift also recognized in the category. The full list of nominees included:[70][68]| Nominee | Role | Series |
|---|---|---|
| Brett Goldstein (Winner) | Roy Kent | Ted Lasso |
| Carl Clemons-Hopkins | Marcus | Hacks |
| Brendan Hunt | Coach Beard | Ted Lasso |
| Nick Mohammed | Nathan Shelley | Ted Lasso |
| Paul Reiser | Norman Newlander | The Kominsky Method |
| Jeremy Swift | Leslie Higgins | Ted Lasso |
| Kenan Thompson | Various | Saturday Night Live |
| Bowen Yang | Various | Saturday Night Live |
| Nominee | Role | Series |
|---|---|---|
| Brett Goldstein (Winner) | Roy Kent | Ted Lasso |
| Anthony Carrigan | NoHo Hank | Barry |
| Toheeb Jimoh | Sam Obisanya | Ted Lasso |
| Nick Mohammed | Nathan Shelley | Ted Lasso |
| Tony Shalhoub | Abe Weissman | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel |
| Tyler James Williams | Gregory Eddie | Abbott Elementary |
| Henry Winkler | Gene Cousineau | Barry |
| Bowen Yang | Various | Saturday Night Live |