Our all-time favourite fictional TV and film characters from Nottingham

There have been some truly iconic characters from Nottingham over the years!
By Daniel DeFalco
Published 18th Jan 2024, 13:28 BST
Nottingham is a key part of the plot of Last Train To Christmas Nottingham is a key part of the plot of Last Train To Christmas
Nottingham is a key part of the plot of Last Train To Christmas

Regardless of what part of the country you’re from, it’s always fun seeing a television or film character based on someone from your part of the world. 

These characters are usually based on exaggerated stereotypes, which usually makes them even funnier! 

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A good example of this is the early ‘90s series The Scousers, created by Harry Enfield. 

Read more: Love Nottingham

It’s always important not to take ourselves too seriously by laughing at geographical stereotypes, particularly in this day and age. 

We’ve looked at some of the best fictional characters from Nottingham over the years.

Tommy Saxondale 

Tommy Saxondale is played by Steve Coogan (pictured here at the UK Premiere of the Lost King) Tommy Saxondale is played by Steve Coogan (pictured here at the UK Premiere of the Lost King)
Tommy Saxondale is played by Steve Coogan (pictured here at the UK Premiere of the Lost King)

One of Steve Coogan’s more underrated TV shows, Saxondale aired on the BBC in 2006 and 2007. 

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The show follows the life of pest controller Tommy Saxondale, his wife Mags and colleague Raymond. 

The former roadie, who insists on sharing his experiences in rock and roll with others, speaks with a strong East Midlands accent and occasionally refers to his Nottingham heritage. 

Robin Hood 

The BBC’s Robin Hood remake proved incredibly popular and aired for three series between 2006 and 2009. 

Starring Jonas Armstrong as Robin Hood, the show brings the legend to life and follows the outlaw as he works to protect the people of Nottingham. 

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Much of the show was actually filmed in Wales, not Sherwood Forest, but it’s fair to say Armstrong nails the Nottingham accent despite being Irish!

Tony Towers

Sky original film Last Train to Christmas is set on Christmas Eve in 1985 and focuses on a successful Nottingham nightclub owner called Tony Towers, played by Michael Sheen. 

Towers and his much younger fiancee, Sue, are traveling back home to Nottingham for Christmas on the 3:17 from London. 

Things take an unusual turn when Towers walks into a different carriage - only for his life to fast forward 10 years to 1995. 

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Eagle-eyed viewers may notice a scene featuring Nottingham station. 

Lol Jenkins

Wollaton-born Vicky McClure, aged 39, has been busy and booked on television since her breakout role in Shane Meadows' film This Is England (2006).Wollaton-born Vicky McClure, aged 39, has been busy and booked on television since her breakout role in Shane Meadows' film This Is England (2006).
Wollaton-born Vicky McClure, aged 39, has been busy and booked on television since her breakout role in Shane Meadows' film This Is England (2006).

Vicky McClure portrayed skinhead Lol Jenkins in the 2006 film This is England and its three subsequent miniseries. 

She was introduced as a factory worker from Nottingham and had two children in the late 1980’s. 

As a Nottingham native herself, McClure did a great job portraying Lol!

Related topics:FilmTVNottinghamBBCheritageRobin HoodChristmasPeople