He has starred in Stephen Spielberg’s blockbuster Ready Player One and a hit Harry Potter movie – but Michael Wildman’s mum was more impressed when he started acting in Emmerdale.
“I’ve rubbed some serious shoulders in the business over the last 25 years,” the says the Brit, who is a veteran despite his youthful looks.
“But the jump for joy from her was unmatched. She was more excited abut me getting this than the Spielberg job.
“Emmerdale is her favourite soap. And my late grandmother’s.”
Michael plays Al Chapman – ex of Jessie Dingle and father of her son Ellis, played by pal Asan N’jie.
“Al’s come into Emmerdale ruffling a few feathers,” says Michael.
“He’s has been abroad on business. It’s not clear what his intentions are.
“Al is trying to build the bridge with his son Ellis but thinks he can just come back in to his life and pick up where he left off.
“He doesn’t have to do much to make Jessie’s husband Marlon feel insecure. He’s going to be an interesting character.”
Michael played Magorian, leader of the centaurs in 2007’s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
But he’s no stranger to soap – he was Marc MacKenzie in Channel 5’s Family Affairs from 2003 and was even nominated for the British Soap Award for Sexiest Male.
But he admits: “This is on a much bigger scale. The workload was a lot back then but it’s much more now.
“It’s been fun though. I’ve been filming for two and a half weeks but it’s felt like I’ve been here months as I’ve been thrown into it.”
Another memorable job was appearing beside Hollywood icon Samuel L Jackson in Ricky Gervais’s comedy Extras.
Michael says: “It was a funny episode. Most of the cast have seen it. It was special one – the famous golliwog scene.
“Samuel L Jackson – just dropping that name in there – arrived late.
“There was a bit of reverence about him. People were nervous. So Ricky shut production down for a bit saying he was coming into our world. He made it really relaxed.”
Michael says the Yorkshire hospitality has been a revelation – even though he was once rejected by the show.
“I did a screen test for Emmerdale several years ago,” he recalls.
“I can’t remember what the character was. But it felt right this time and I was sold on the fact that everyone at Emmerdale was really nice.
“I don’t know how long Al will stay – it depends how well he’s liked or hated. I’m here for the foreseeable.”
