Bill Nighy - Sue Blackhall

This is the fascinating story of one of the most intriguing and entertaining characters in show business. Born into a working-class family, Bill attended the Guildford School of Dance and Drama before embarking on a two-year theatre stint in Liverpool. His London stage debut came in 1977 at the National Theatre, and many more theatre, radio, and television appearances followed, including radio performances of Yes Minister for the BBC. In 1998, he first came to international prominence with his role as a washed-up rock star in Hollywood film Still Crazy. But it was the Richard Curtis smash hit Love Actually that really propelled Bill into the limelight, earning him a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor. Since then, Bill has earned yet more plaudits, starring in the acclaimed TV drama State of Play and Gideon's Daughter, and appearing once again on the silver screen in the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy and hit comedy Pirate Radio. His wit, charm and on-screen presence have endeared him to legions of fans, and his film and TV work shows that he is an accomplished performer who can bring a touch of magic to any role.

Sue Blackhall is the author of Crimes of Passion, The Fall of the House of Windsor, Fool Britannia, Ghosts of New York, and Tsunami, among others.