An actor featuring in a new S4C drama said his Flintshire upbringing helped nurture his love of acting.

Rhodri Meilir, who has appeared in BBC’s My Family and the critically acclaimed film Pride, said he was grateful for the acting opportunities he secured while growing up in Mold.

Rhodri plays Owain Llywelyn in S4C’s political drama Byw Celwydd, on Sundays. He’s caught in the middle between his dad, the First Minister of Wales, and his wife, Angharad Wyn, an influential political editor with a TV company.

Despite now living in Cardiff, he said he remains thankful for his Mold heritage.

“While I was a pupil at Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold, I saw Rhys Ifans and his brother Llyr Evans succeed as actors,” he said.

“They were both former pupils at the school and that inspired me.

“I enjoyed a perfect upbringing in Mold and I love coming back to visit mum and dad, who still live in the town.

“My biggest influences have been my family, teachers at Ysgol Glanrafon and Ysgol Maes Garmon, Mold and my friends.

“I’m also grateful for the acting opportunities I had at Bethesda Chapel, Mold.”

Although Rhodri has a keen interest in politics, he admits that he wouldn’t like to be a politician.

“I tend to finish every scene with a frustrated look on my face,” he said.

“Owain is used to being put in a difficult position because of his dad and his wife’s conflicting jobs. The challenge for Owain is to try to maintain a balance.

“Although, if it came to choosing between them, Owain would opt for Angharad every time.”

Rhodri’s got a busy acting year ahead of him, filming S4C comedy Anita and then moving to Manchester to work with The Royal Exchange Theatre.

Looking ahead, he said: “I have enjoyed a great deal of variety in my career so far, from theatre to TV, and from comedy to drama. I love theatre work; after rehearsing for weeks to create a play, it’s great to see the audience’s reaction.

“Acting in TV dramas such as the BBC series My Family is just as thrilling, especially as it is performed in front of an audience, just like theatre.

“The challenge with drama is to make it as real as possible. Comedy on the other hand offers an escape.

“I’m fortunate that I can enjoy both worlds.”

Rhodri lives in Cardiff with his partner and three children, but admits that home is where the heart is.

He added: “I’m lucky to have lived in many places with interesting people. From living in a big house on the foothills of Moel Eilio, to living in a flat – not much bigger than a box – on Camden High Street but there’s nowhere like home.”