Blue Lights has quietly become one of the BBC’s most gripping modern dramas a Belfast-set police series that balances realism, tension, and humanity with rare precision. At its heart is Nathan Braniff, whose portrayal of young officer Tommy Foster has grown deeper with every season. As the show continues to resonate with audiences across Northern Ireland and beyond, Braniff reflects on authenticity, resilience, and the evolving landscape of Northern Irish storytelling. From martial arts discipline to BAFTA celebrations, he talks to LEWIS about truth, transformation, and the challenges of staying grounded amid rising success.
Blue Lights has resonated deeply with audiences in Northern Ireland and beyond. What do you think it is about the show’s depiction of Belfast policing that feels so authentic, and how does that authenticity shape your portrayal of Tommy?
For me, it’s all about research, research, research. With the writers coming from a journalism background, they’ve really nailed the truth of policing in Northern Ireland the tone, the atmosphere, the reality of it. In a way, that inspired me to do the same with Tommy. I met real officers, spent time in stations, and just absorbed as much as I could. When you’re new to the job, you’re vulnerable and that’s what I wanted people to see in Tommy.
Tommy Foster has evolved quite a bit since the first series, from eager recruit to a more seasoned officer. How did you approach his growth in Season 3, and were there aspects of him that surprised even you this time around?
Honestly, I’m not surprised by how far Tommy’s come or how much he continues to grow into the job. After Gerry’s death, his drive to become a good officer was always going to be a massive part of his journey. He needed to prove to himself that he could do the job and the changes he’s made along the way are all steps towards that goal.
Blue Lights won the BAFTA for Best Drama earlier this year a huge moment for the cast and crew. What was it like experiencing that recognition, and how did it feel to see a story rooted in Northern Ireland celebrated on such a national scale?
Completely unbelievable. We honestly felt like the underdogs sitting there beside the likes of Damian Lewis and others, so when they called Blue Lights, it was surreal. I think Declan Lawn, one of our writers, summed it up perfectly in his speech: “This one’s for you, Belfast.” That moment really said it all.
You’re also a martial artist and kickboxer not something we hear about every day from actors. Has that discipline influenced your approach to acting, especially in the high-pressure world of Blue Lights?
Surprisingly, I think the two go hand in hand. Both require total focus under pressure, high stakes where all your attention has to be on the other person. Their actions dictate your reactions, just like in a scene. That awareness and presence carry straight across from martial arts into acting.
The show captures a very particular kind of tension both personal and political. As someone from Northern Ireland, how do you navigate the responsibility of telling stories that carry real cultural weight?
As long as what you’re doing is rooted in truth, I think you’ll be alright. Northern Ireland has had its share of issues, some of which the show explores but we’re also portraying Belfast as the vibrant, creative, and positive place that it is. No matter what someone’s political background might be, I think everyone from here can get behind that idea of showing Belfast in a positive light.
There’s a natural camaraderie among the cast that comes across so strongly on screen. What’s the dynamic like behind the scenes, and who’s most likely to break character during a serious moment?
It’s honestly a gift to be part of. The cast and crew really care about this show it kind of feels like everyone’s baby, because 90% of us are from Northern Ireland. We all have a real vested interest in telling this story right, and that creates such a strong bond on set. As for who’s most likely to break I’d have to say Martin McCann, who plays Stevie. He’s definitely prone to making us all giggle when the cameras roll.
When you’re not filming or training, what does a day off look like for you? Are you able to switch off easily, or does Tommy tend to follow you home?
Tommy definitely follows me home. I’m always thinking, “What would Tommy do?” The other day I saw a video about how long it takes to learn to solve a Rubik’s Cube, and I thought, that’s such a Tommy thing. So now I’ve been spending far too much time trying to crack it. If I get quick enough at it, you might even see it make an appearance in Season 4!
You’ve been described as one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting young actors. Looking ahead, are there particular stories or roles you’re eager to explore maybe something that pushes you beyond what audiences have seen so far?
I recently did a one-man show at the Lyric Theatre as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival, called Instructions. It was just one night, and the twist was that there was no preparation or script, the idea was that an unprepared actor comes on stage and follows instructions, which gradually build a story. It gave me a real itch to get back into theatre. There’s nothing quite like the buzz you get when you come off stage after a live performance. And I think if you were to ask me what theatre, I’d say Shakespeare. I know it would be great for me just to do something so different from the gritty realism that is Blue Lights.
As Blue Lights continues to cement its reputation as one of the BBC’s finest dramas, Nathan Braniff’s grounded performance remains at its core. In person, he exudes the same authenticity that defines Tommy Foster thoughtful, humble, and fiercely committed to truth. It’s that balance of discipline and empathy that makes him one of Northern Ireland’s brightest young talents a voice not only of his generation but of a city finally being seen for all it truly is.
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