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James Nesbitt may be forced abroad for work
Updated 09:37am on 9 Jun 2009James Nesbitt says he is considering turning to the United States for work as the recession-hit British TV industry is in "desperate" straits.
The actor stars in the much-anticipated BBC1 Iraq war drama Occupation, which comes to television screens next week.
Nesbitt plays Sergeant Mike Swift, who falls for a courageous Iraqi doctor.
Asked about a scene depicting a uniformed soldier having sex with a woman in a burka, Nesbitt told the Radio Times: "You can get too hung up on that.
"The short answer is that I was terribly moved by that scene and was more concerned with getting the scene right than the political ramifications."
Nesbitt said he had marched against the war and "I'd march again tomorrow".
Speaking about Hollywood, Nesbitt said: "I could have gone there years ago, but the notion of waiting six months to play a baddie in a bad film just wasn't my idea of career utopia.
"I was challenged here, I enjoyed what I was doing. But the British TV industry is in a desperate state - not creatively but financially.
"So I've gone with an American agent and, well, we'll see what happens."
Nesbitt said he would miss his daughters Peggy and Mary - "but there's so little work happening here, it's not a door that I'd slam shut".
Reader views (7)
These nasty comments from people who prbbably only have a talent for bitching show just how bitter and twisted a lot of us brits are.
- Kh, London UK, 10/06/2009 10:45
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Oh please make my day and send him over the pond. He is so bigheaded but I cannot remember one programme which I have seen him in.
- Anon, uk, 10/06/2009 09:20
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I always thought James Nesbitt was a one-character actor. And really did not rate him very highly. Until, that is, I saw him in 'Five Minutes of Heaven' earlier this year. He was totally captivating. If he can put in performances like that in the future, given the parts of course, he will get my vote!
- Roger Goldsmith, Southsea, Hants, 09/06/2009 16:38
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Best news I've had all year
- Jc, London, 09/06/2009 13:48
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he's on tv every waking second. The sooner he goes the better.
- Squiz, Islington, 09/06/2009 11:53
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Ed - I agree. It will be great to see him in some higher budget productions, sooner rather than later.
He is one of the few who seem genuinely able to play a range of roles.
Good luck to him.
- Jez, Sussex, UK, 09/06/2009 11:26
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The sooner the better
- Ed, London, England, 09/06/2009 10:52
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