Ted Lasso favourite Nick Mohammed reveals excitement at his major new presenting gig - and responds to question of Nate’s return

This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine.

Comedian, actor, writer and Celebrity Traitors contestant Nick Mohammed will host the Olivier Awards in their 50th year of celebrating the best of British theatre. In our kids’ special he also reveals his go-to childhood TV favourites, why he never thought he’d work in the industry, and whether he’ll be returning in series four of Ted Lasso.

Nick, you're in our kids' TV special – so what TV did you watch growing up?

The Paul Daniels Magic Show, then later Paul Daniels’s Secrets was proper Saturday night viewing when I was growing up. They had millions of viewers and I’d record them on video to rewatch. I did the same with the David Copperfield specials.

I was four years old when I fell in love with magic. My older sister had been given a Paul Daniels magic set, which I effectively stole and loved. Magic was a proper obsession and, to a degree, it still is now.

I equally loved all of the old sitcoms; Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, Fawlty Towers, Dad’s Army and, as I grew older, French and Saunders, Reeves and Mortimer, Phoenix Nights and The Office. I loved comedy, but I had no desire to have a career in comedy or even to be an actor or writer. If I was ever going to move into the performance space, it would have been in magic.

You mentioned David Copperfield, who’s known for grand illusions – did you ever dream of making a local landmark disappear, like Elland Road?

Ha! I’ve never really been into illusions, although I enjoy the spectacle of them. I always found the illusionists a bit corny. I would still watch them because I love magic and the theatre of the illusions, but it certainly never crossed my mind to do anything on that scale.

Speaking of "theatre", how does it feel to be this year's Oliviers host?

I’m really excited and so honoured to be the host, especially with this year being the 50th anniversary of the awards. I’ve only been to the Oliviers a couple of times and, of all the awards ceremonies they are so enjoyable because there are so many performances and there’s a real sense of camaraderie in the audience. It feels like there’s a slightly less competitive element.

Your old Ted Lasso colleague Hannah Waddingham has hosted the Oliviers twice, did you tap her up for advice?

As soon as I found out I was hosting, I called her. She’s given me lots of little tips and told me I’m going to have the best time. I can reveal I will not be singing, certainly not as well as her.

Speaking of Ted Lasso, it’s returning for a fourth series this year – are you back, or will you be watching just as a fan this time round?

I love that show, I will always love that show, and I will very much be watching. I can neither confirm nor deny if Nate will be in this series.

Did you go to the theatre often when you were growing up in Leeds?

Yes, but it was pricey, so not all the time. My mum and dad would take us to the West Yorkshire Playhouse, which is now the Leeds Playhouse. We’d go to the Grand Theatre, which is a venue I’ve played on tour, and we’d also go to the Alhambra in Bradford quite a lot.

Is there a production you watched back then that really stuck with you?

I also love the use of magic in theatre, and I saw a phenomenal production of The Invisible Man in the early 1990s. Paul Kieve, an incredible illusionist and stage illusion designer, designed the magic. They literally created an invisible man on stage, with the invisible man removing bandages from his head and revealing nothing underneath the bandages. Then he put on a hat and glasses. I was flabbergasted. Similarly, I remember seeing Peter Pan and marvelling at how the characters flew.

Theatre can still be pricey – but do you think the arts have become more accessible?

I’d like to think so. If you look at TV there’s the desire for a lot more content than there was five or 10 years ago, before streaming services. On the one hand, if you want to be an actor, a writer, or work as a creative on telly and film, there are a lot more opportunities. But it’s still fiercely competitive.

In terms of theatre, it’s tricky. We always hear announcements about Arts Council funding being slashed and that’s a shame, because you don’t want the arts to just be for people who can afford to follow a career. I’m sure there’s lots still to be done in terms of representation and reducing barriers to entry.

Do you have time to go to the theatre now, given how busy you are?

I do, although it’s not always easy because we have young kids. My wife and I tend to make it a date night if we are going out, and we end up being a little bit choosy. The last thing I probably saw was Paddington: the Musical; I was really lucky to go to the opening night and it was off-the-charts amazing.

With Paddington's multiple nominations, do you think the Oliviers’ backstage catering will feature marmalade sandwiches?

I would have thought so – although I can’t think of anything worse than having a marmalade sandwich before I go onstage. They’re so sticky!

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The Olivier Awards take place on Sunday 12 April 2026.

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