Me and my London: David Elliot

Five years ago, David Elliot won Best Film Actor at the BAFTA Scotland Awards – beating both Robert Carlyle and David Tennant – for his leading role as real life war hero Cpl Mark Wright in Kajaki. 

The Edinburgh-born actor hasn't looked back since (except, presumably, to bask in the memory).  

This year, Elliot will return for the second installment of Sky One’s cop drama Bulletproof, as well as starring in The Liberator, Netflix’s four-part animated World War II drama.

Me 

What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about? 


I am excited for both season two of Bulletproof and The Liberator, a Netflix four-series I am in, coming out this year. It was fun to work with everyone on BP2 and get the gang back together in an even more action-packed season than last time.

The Liberator was actually very liberating (pardon the pun) as it was my first time working on blue screen and so had to use my imagination to help transfer the WW2 story to screen. I’ve seen a sneak peek and it looks incredible!

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

My proudest was working on the true story war film Kajaki, where I had the responsibility of playing Mark Wright, who was a hero who gave his life to save his friends. I had met Mark’s family and I felt a deep obligation to really put the work in and make sure that not only was the story told as authentically as possible but that I could immortalise their son's heroism on film to show the world his brave act, as well as put across the kind heart I was told he had.

The film was nominated at the BAFTAs and won a BIFA award. I was also nominated for a BAFTA Scotland award and I took the parents of Mark Wright along to the ceremony. I really was surprised to win, but to cheer and hug his Mum and Dad as my name was called... making them proud we had done justice in telling the story of Mark's last moments was my proudest and it will take some topping!!

If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?

That is a really hard question actually. It has taken me many years to learn to stop wishing and wanting other people's careers and to not be jealous of what I don't have. I now try to appreciate what I have accomplished and look ahead, not back. So I am not sure if I would change anything.

But if you were to push me for an answer I would have to say: if I could go back and make sure I kept creating my own content, without a ten-year gap, then I would maybe be more fulfilled. I have taken note however and the road ahead has some exciting self-created work on the cards.

What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?

World domination. Joking... (not joking). I guess, to continue to grow as a creative and to work in all genres and in many countries. It is every actor’s dream to be as high up the food chain as possible to get the best roles and work with the best people.

You always keep moving the goalposts and although some achievements may be out of reach at first, it’s all about the little steps on the ladder of achievement to be appreciated. There are so many roles and genres I haven't played or tapped into yet, that is the joy and frustration of being an actor, you just never know what is around the next corner.

Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?

It has to be Phoebe Waller Bridge. What a talent. She really is amazing. Creator of worlds and master of her own universe. She is a role model for anyone who is sitting back waiting on the phone to ring to get up off their ass and make yourself busy. If no one is casting you in that dream role, then get writing it for yourself!

Tell us something nobody knows about you…

Nothing... I am a massive over sharer and I think everyone knows too much about me already!!


My London 

What do you love most about London?

I love that it is a 24-hour city, there is no reason to ever be bored here. Whether it is seeing art, going to a gig or wandering on the Heath then hitting the pub with pals.

It really is a social hub where everyone from every background is welcome and can feel at home.

What would you change about London? 

How deafeningly loud some of the tubes are...Northern and Central line, you know I am talking about you!

What is your favourite London pub / bar? 

Hmmm it is a coin toss between the Flask or the Woodman, in Highgate.

What is your favourite London restaurant? 

I do love Mildred's in Soho.

Where would you take someone on a London date?

On a sunny day, a wander along the canals or one of the many parks, then a nice beer garden.

On not so sunny days, an open fire pub with lots of comfort food. 

If you’re visiting London, what’s the one thing you MUST do?

Smile and give eye contact to everyone on public transport, because no one who lives here does it... it helps me spot visitors haha!

On a serious note... Go see some theatre!!

Bulletproof S2 will air on Friday 20 March on Sky One and NOW TV.