Jack O’Connell has starred in numerous TV shows and films (Image: Getty)
Jack O’Connell, the actor celebrated for his roles in Skins, The Runaway, and The Bill, is captivating audiences once again in One’s SAS: Rogue Heroes. The second series began airing on 1 January, with Jack taking on the role of Paddy Mayne, a formidable army officer.
Jack’s journey to acting was not straightforward; he initially dreamed of becoming a professional footballer and even considered a career in the army before discovering his passion for drama.
Born in Derby, Jack, 34, has been candid about his challenging upbringing. He experienced the loss of his father during his teenage years and had his fair share of run-ins with the law.
Jack stars in SAS: Rogue Heros (Image: BBC/Banijay UK)
In an intimate interview with , Jack reflected on his early life: “I just grew up there, playing football and doing all the normal stuff. My mum and dad worked every hour of the day. My mum had two jobs and still had bailiffs coming around. I remember the bailiffs coming and nabbing our TV. I was halfway through watching Pingu, and they nabbed the TV.”
The loss of his father to pancreatic cancer when Jack was just 18 left a profound impact on him. He spoke poignantly about this period, saying to Authentic: “You just cope. I had 18 years with a fine, fine man. I know lads that never even had a day with theirs. So it is what it is. But he got to see the start of where I was getting to with work.”
When he’s not on the set of TV shows or movies, Jack is usually at his London home with his girlfriend, Imogen Coates. Imogen is a hairstylist who prefers staying away from the limelight and has been Jack’s acquaintance since their school days in Derby.
Jack resides in London with his girlfriend Imogen (Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImage)
Discussing his personal life last year with , Jack opened up about their “healthy” relationship and admitted: “I’m a class boyfriend But if I have a shave I don’t always rinse the sink. That’s minging, isn’t it? There’s no excuse. But we’re in a healthy relationship. I’m content and grateful for my work and life right now.”
Since moving to London in 2014, Jack enjoys not just city living but also adventures in his beloved motorhome which he proudly discussed in Country and Townhouse magazine, initially purchasing it for festivals then discovering its value for travel.
Gushing about his mobile haven, he said: “I’ve got a nice little motorhome that I zip about in. I’ve managed to get a good bit of mileage on the clock. I’ve done a bit of Ireland, France, I’ve got down to Spain – it’s just a really nice way to go on holiday.”
SAS: Rogue Heroes continues on Sunday 12 January on One at 9pm.