Welsh star of 28 Years Later tipped to be Hollywood's 'next big thing'

Sam Locke followed his gut to pursue his love of acting, and his determination is already paying off, as Bethany Gavaghan reports

- Bethany Gavaghan

SAM Locke is reflecting on how his life is shifting after being tipped to be the next “big thing’ in Hollywood.

After failing his A-levels - drama was the only subject he managed to pass - he initially planned to retake the year and try again. But in a moment of unexpected clarity while sitting in a pub, the boy from Merthyr Tydfil changed direction entirely.

He chose to study drama, and the rest is history.

He is currently starring in the hit film 28 Years Later as Jimmy Fox - part of a group known as “The Jimmys” who are featured prominently in this fast-paced horror story.

The film, directed by Danny Boyle, is centred on society's breakdown after a deadly, rage-inducing virus is unleashed, focusing on the struggles of survivors to endure both the infected and the consequences of societal collapse.

It’s had a huge reaction with plenty of buzz surrounding its release in cinemas, as the film, which also features Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes, has a large fan base as a sequel to 2002's 28 Days Later.

But Locke has taken it all in his stride, noting when asked if he felt any pressure: “Not really, thankfully. Any pressure in that context is a privilege anyway. In fact, I invite it and hope to work on projects where I can feel bit of pressure, but I definitely feel that even If I was massively nervous, stepping on to set and being with Danny, my fellow actors and everyone else involved eased my nerves.

“Ultimately, I’m immensely proud I am now etched into this franchise, I get to forever be affiliated with it, and represent Wales, and Merthyr at these heights.”

Back at home, Locke is often found frequenting his local pub, The Grawen Arms, on Brecon Road.

“I find that keeps me grounded”, he says. “People in Merthyr, they like to remind you where you're from and remind you who you are and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”