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Born in Nigeria, Nikki Amuka-Bird, 49, studied at Lamda and began her career with the RSC. In 2017, she was Bafta nominated for her role in the BBC adaptation of Zadie’s Smith’s book NW. The same year, she played the lead in the Donmar’s production of Ibsen’s The Lady from the Sea. Her recent television work spans Armando Iannucci’s comedy Avenue 5; the action series Citadel; and I, Jack Wright, which is on U&Alibi. She is divorced and lives in London.
What is your greatest fear?
I’m quite scared of bats. I’m just seeing rats with wings – no, thanks.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Lack of confidence masquerading as perfectionism.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Being an actor is inherently embarrassing. You have to embrace it.
Aside from property, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
A business-class flight. Pure indulgence.
What is your most treasured possession?
I inherited my mother’s home in Antigua – so many wonderful memories there.
Describe yourself in three words
Optimistic, creative, resilient.
What makes you unhappy?
Small talk on long journeys.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
The gap between my two front teeth. I keep trying to fix it and my teeth keep springing apart again.
If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?
Blockbuster Video and the ritual of picking and savouring which films you’re going to watch at the weekend.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
I’d like it to be a “Rusical” and have drag queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race play me at different points in my life.
What is your most unappealing habit?
People-pleasing.
What scares you about getting older?
Not being flexible enough to dance freely.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Tilda Swinton.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
In a rehearsal just after graduating from drama college, I say my lines to an older actor. He pauses, turns to the director and says: “I’m sorry, but is she going to do it like that?”
What do you owe your parents?
I learned from watching my mother to disregard the limitations others place on you.
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To whom would you most like to say sorry, and why?
Anyone whose party I said I’d go to and didn’t turn up. I can get quite socially anxious at times.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My mother. I owe everything to her.
What does love feel like?
Like everything is in high definition, and life is on your side.
What was the best kiss of your life?
I had a first kiss on my birthday once that I’ll never forget.
Which living person do you most despise, and why?
I try to steer clear of hatred – it only eats you up inside.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Onwards and upwards.
When did you last cry, and why?
Probably watching some poor abandoned cat or dog being nursed back to life by a stranger on YouTube.
