BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Nigel Harman’s surprise career alongside acting
Nigel Harman is best known for his role on EastEnders and being one of the current celebs starring in Strictly Come Dancing but the actor also has an unexpected side job
Strictly Come Dancing star Nigel Harman is best known for his roles in EastEnders but has found a new calling since departing the BBC soap 17 years ago.
The actor, 50, shot to fame when he landed the role of Dennis Rickman in 2003. He made his last appearance in 2005 when the beloved character was killed off in a stabbing on New Year’s Eve. After his exit, Nigel turned his talents to the stage and went on to star as Max Christie in BBC’s Casualty.
The dad-of-one is currently showing off his dancing skills on the latest series of Strictly alongside Katya Jones. On Saturday night (November 25), Nigel was awarded 33 out of 40 points for his Rumba and made it through to week 11.
Nigel is a triple threat, but that’s not all. He is also a meditation expert who offers his fans and followers advice on how to stay mindful. Here, Daily Star has taken a look into his side career.
![Nigel and Katya made it through to week 11](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article31531317.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/1_Strictly-Come-Dancing-2023.jpg)
Here, he offers coaching, workshops and other forms of guidance surrounding meditation. On his website, Nigel delves into his background in meditating, revealing it all started more than 10 years ago.
The website says: “I started meditating over a decade ago and I’ve felt the positive impact it has had on my life and on those around me. Wherever in life we are, each of us will have periods where we feel we are out of step with ourselves, treading water, or even adrift.
![Nigel refers to himself as the meditating actor](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article28102599.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/2_Dennis-from-EastEnders-shock-career-change.jpg)
The soap icon offers a range of services, including guided meditation classes. Here, Nigel guides people through a series of meditations designed to “calm the mind, relax the body, reduce stress”.
![Nigel offers a range of services, including guided meditation classes](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article31538357.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Nigel-Harman-and-Katya-Jones.jpg)
Sports rehabilitation meditations are also on the list, offering a unique foundation and support for the mental and emotional journey. Nigel hopes to help his clients come back stronger and faster by focusing specifically on the areas of damage.
Applying his own skills, the Strictly star offers workshops for actors. He says: “As a meditation coach, I teach mindfulness to help find freedom and a peace with self-consciousness.
![The Strictly star also offers workshops for actors](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article31538369.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_444264Strictly-Come-Dancing-2023.jpg)
He continues: “Allowing us to bring our best to the stage and screen. You’ll find meditators are calmer, less anxious, confident, and more open, which allows them to perform at a higher level. Sharing their humanity with everyone.”
If needed, people can access on-to-one meditations. Nigel declares his sessions are “enjoyable, informative and relaxing”, and allow people to apply them to real life.
Sharing his approach, Nigel said: “My approach is rooted in mindfulness with a particular emphasis on creativity, imagination, self-expression, and love.
![Nigel's mission is to "make meditation available, relevant, and energising for all"](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article31538381.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_PROD-Crazy-For-You-press-night-London-UK-03-Jul-2023.jpg)
“My sessions are designed to suit your individual needs; they will be enjoyable, informative and relaxing. As well as giving you actual methods that you can use in everyday life.
“Through meditation, we can calm our minds and body. With a calm mind and body, we can achieve anything.” Touching upon the end goal, he explains: “My mission is to make meditation available, relevant, and energising for all. If you are interested in one of my services please get in touch using the form below to find out more.”