HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL, SOME EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS & NEWS COMING IN 2026, STAY TUNED!
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL, SOME EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS & NEWS COMING IN 2026, STAY TUNED!
Stephen Nicholas 2026

I am currently designing a set for this brand new factual series starring Michael Sheen.
BBC Factual and BBC Cymru Wales have commissioned Buried (w/t, 2 x 60’) produced in partnership with the Open University, a gripping two-part unscripted series co-produced by Wall to Wall and Smoke Trail Productions following Michael Sheen as he digs into claims of chemical contamination in South Wales, close to where the award-winning actor grew up.
Please click the link below for more detail.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2026/factual-series-with-michael-sheen-announced

Boarders series 1 and 2 is now an award winning show and has gone down a storm both in the UK and the USA, recently it's been showcasing on the huge digital screens on Times Square in New York, how fantastic is this, we as a production are very proud.
So proud that we are going to do it again for series 3, so watch this space and my socials for more updates and info and the new series and new behind the scenes set images from series 2, and also any current events and fab behind the scenes videos from the cast.
You can all still watch Series 1 and 2 in the UK on BBCiPlayer (click link below) and If your in North America, you can also watch series 1 and 2 on TUBI.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/boarders-series-two
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001wjyk/boarders
Thanks all for your Support, we hope you love it as much as we do.

I'm currently in early prep on a Motion Picture as a Studio Art Director for the wonderful Darryl Hammer, its called 'NORTHANGER ABBEY' and its an adaption of a Jane Austin novel.
A young literature teacher dreams of an Austenian romance but must navigate quirky chaos, a mysterious curse, and misadventures with a charming suitor to author her own love story.
Synopsis
Catherine Winslet, a young literature teacher, is invited to Bath, England, by her eccentric idol, Mrs. Daftwood, to ghostwrite her memoirs, igniting dreams of living out her Austen-inspired fantasies. However, Catherine soon finds herself navigating romantic missteps with the charming Edmund, quirky household chaos, and a mysterious curse tied to an old abbey. Through heartbreak and misadventures, Catherine uncovers the truth about love and finds a chance to start a new chapter in her own story.
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director: TBC
Cast: A-list cast to be announced soon
Producers: Jordi Rediu
Adaptation: from Jane Austin‘s novel Northanger Abbey
Writers: David Alan Ruben, Jonathan Tosetti
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English
Year: 2026

Hope you all enjoyed Boarders Series 1, Series 2 is now complete and you can watch 2 on BBCiPlayer (click link below) and watch my socials for all updated info on new set images, current events and fab behind the scenes videos from the cast.
If your in North America, you can steam series 1 and 2 now (17.04.2025) on Tubi.

I Designer a brand new series for the BBC called 'CRONGTON' early last year and you can now watch all episodes on BBCiPlayer (see link below), here is a brief synopsis of the show.
BBC Children’s announces a new commission, Crongton, from leading drama production company New Pictures (an All3Media Company), in association with All3Media International. The ten-part returning series, aimed at a 10-12 audience, is written by the award-winning writer and comedian Archie Maddocks, and based on the best-selling novels by Alex Wheatle.
Crongton (10 x 25’) chronicles the lives and journeys of a group of young people living in a thriving, multicultural community in a fictional urban housing estate, as they navigate the complexities of social politics, peer pressure and identity while trying to forge a place for themselves within a world full of possibility and littered with danger. Shot through with irreverent humour and featuring animated fantasy sequences, it’s a joyful, energetic ride through the trials and tribulations of growing up, a celebration of the kind of community you only find on an estate, and a look at how you come to terms with the darkness of the world around you when you’re on the cusp of childhood and adulthood.and you can read the full press packs here by clicking the links below.
Crongton is being produced by Joanna Hanley (Phoenix Rise), directed by Ethosheia Hylton (Boarders), and executive produced by Imogen O’Sullivan (Champion), Elaine Pyke (No Escape), and Willow Grylls (The Long Shadow). Aisha Bywaters is casting the series. Alongside Archie Maddocks, episodic writers include Athena Kugblenu (Horrible Histories), Thara Popoola (Sex Education), Willow Mirza (A Town Called Malice), with story contributions from Alex Wheatle, Haleema Mirza (Secret Invasion), and Cherish Shirley (Everything I Know About Love).
The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning 7+ and the commissioning editor is Amy Buscombe for BBC Children’s and BBC iPlayer. It is being produced in association with All3Media International, which has exclusive worldwide distribution rights.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR LATEST TRAILER
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0026y16/crongton-preview

A brand new comedy-drama series for the BBC, Its called 'Boarders'.
The brand-new six-part series, created by award winning writer Daniel Lawrence Taylor (Timewasters), follows five talented under privileged black students from inner-city London as they gain scholarships at St. Gilberts, an elite boarding school. Made by Studio Lambert (The Nest, Three Girls), in association with All3Media International for the BBC.
You can now watch the full series on BBC iPlayer by clicking the link below:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m001wjyk/boarders
You can read the full press packs here by clicking the links below.
https://variety.com/2023/tv/global/timewasters-daniel-lawrence-taylor-bbc-comedy-cast-1235673768/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2022/boarders-bbc-three-comedy-drama
https://www.whattowatch.com/watching-guides/boarders-everything-we-know-about-boarding-school-comedy

In the summer of 2022, I Designed 'Plebs - Soldiers of Rome' Feature special for Rise Films, shooting at Nu Boyana Film Studios in Bulgaria and also shooting on location at a stunning Welsh Coast near Cardiff.
You can watch the full film here on the ITVX website.
Details of the Film are here on the IMDB page.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22817698/
You can see the latest trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zshSKvWokY

I Designed a very exciting new project which was on Sky Arts on the 2nd September 2022, 'GALWAD' is a multi-platform story that was told over digital and broadcast channels and through live events in Wales from 26th September to 2nd October 2022.
'GALWAD' blends conventional and new digital forms of storytelling to form a new kind of cultural event in which the audience was invited to follow a story in real-time over a week.
'GALWAD' brought together Wales’ boldest talent in film and TV, creative technology and live performance with the imagination and talents of Welsh communities to create a new kind of multi-platform, multi-lingual story for our times. A creative and ambitious act of collective imagination from and by Wales, 'GALWAD' was inspired by the Well Being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and will invite audiences to explore the moral dilemmas and possibilities of a different kind of future.
GALWAD was nominated for a SXSW Innovation Award for Best Immersive Production 2023
GALWAD was nominated for a ROSE D'OR Award for Best Multi Platform Series 2023

The year is 2041 and the next step in the future of humankind is imminent. After decades of training and research, the mission to create the first lunar colony is about to launch with Anderson as lead astronaut. Jay, an AI purpose built for the mission, has simulated every possible outcome for the expedition. Tensions arise when the chilling motives of Jay become apparent, sowing the seeds of distrust between Anderson, and the group that had gathered to quietly celebrate the launch. As the night descends into chaos, the group’s faith in one another and their mission begins to crack, with the knowledge that the decisions they make before sunrise, will change humanity forever... out in 2023
Staring Hermione Corfield (We Hunt Together), Simon Merrells (Good Omens), Kemi-Bo Jacobs (London Has Fallen).
A couple of links below but more information to follow.
https://variety.com/2022/film/global/lord-of-the-rings-simon-merrells-million-days-1235254296/
https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/972423-a-million-days
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9281138/
'A Million Days' has its world premiere at Frightfest on the 25th August 2023 at Leicester Square, get your tickets here https://www.frightfest.co.uk/2023FrightFestLondon/a-million-days.html

I Designed a BBC Film called 'The Trick' back in 2021. The Trick tells the story of world-renowned Professor Philip Jones; Director of Climate Research at the University of East Anglia, who back in 2009 found himself at the eye of an international media storm and the victim of cyberterrorism.
With time running out against an unseen enemy, The Trick looks at the potentially devastating consequences to humanity from climate change denial; how a media storm undermined public confidence in the science and how the concept of ‘truth’ took a back seat causing us to lose a decade of action. The film also charts the unjustified persecution of Phil Jones, his wife Ruth’s fierce support of her husband and the fight for the ultimate exoneration of himself and the science.
The powerful single drama will star an ensemble cast including Jason Watkins (Line of Duty, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies) as respected scientist Professor Phil Jones and Victoria Hamilton (Doctor Foster, Life) as Phil’s wife, Ruth.
The cast also includes George MacKay (1917, Pride), Jerome Flynn (Game of Thrones, Ripper Street), Adrian Edmondson (The Pact, Save Me), Aneirin Hughes (Hinterland, Keeping Faith), Pooky Quesnel (The A Word, The Victim), Richard Elfyn (The Pact), Rhashan Stone (Keeping Faith, Finding Alice), Justin Salinger (Hanna), Tara Divina (Line of Duty) and David Calder (Time, The Hatton Garden Job).
For set images go to the Film tap at top of page.
The Trick is NOW available on NETFLIX
BAFTA CYMRU AWARD NOMINATION FOR BEST FEATURE / TV FILM 2022

I'm in the early stages of Designing a very exciting adventure living history series called 'Ultimate Viking', produced by Wildflame Productions Ltd., Zig Zag Productions Ltd. and Tindefilm for Smithsonian Channel. The challenge is to Design a purpose-built Viking Settlement on the spectacular Norwegian cost so that the diverse cast of men and women can be pushed to the extreme as they find out if they have what it takes to live as true Vikings. Its a brutal endurance competition in which contestants must hone their Vikings skills and apply their mental and physical strength to endure the toughest test of their lives.
Game of Thrones Kristofer Hivju and his wife Gry Molvær Hivju will host the series and are proud to show the fjords, ocean and wild mountains that their ancestors saw. For them, this series is all about a genuine extreme experience based on Viking society, set deep in the heart of the land of the Vikings.
The series will also include a one-hour accompanying documentary slated to air in 2021.

It was a pleasure Designing a brand new series for S4C created by Vox Pictures and BBC Wales, an exciting new six part drama which will keep you on your toes, Gwenllian Gravelle from S4C said "We wanted to experiment with a new format. Vox Pictures succeeded in creating the drama series Cyswllt for S4C at the beginning of lockdown and this worked really well with half hour episodes."
"Fflam is a very exciting production with a thrilling story, amazing actors and a compelling script – it's great to see high quality Welsh drama being created again."
Adrian Bates of Vox Pictures said: "Vox Pictures are delighted to be working with S4C again on this prestigious series that will undoubtedly follow the success of both Un Bore Mercher and Cyswllt. Producer Llyr Morus and director Judith Dine have recruited an impressive cast and crew that will deliver this compulsive story in such challenging times."
Fflam has been filmed in the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan area during November and December. The series premiers on S4C on 10 February. Vox Pictures followed all the COVID guidelines, legislation and protocols that have been put in place by Welsh Government in order to ensure that filming is carried out safely.
https://www.s4c.cymru/en/press/post/41486/fflam-the-sizzling-new-drama-that-plays-with-fire/

It was an honour Designed the final series of 'Keeping Faith' for Vox Pictures, this was a tough one as we started shooting before the Covid-19 Pandemic, and had to postpone the shoot due to the lockdown, as restrictions lifted and new guidelines were put in place as well as training, we completed the series with honour.
Un Bore Mercher will hit our S4C screens on the 1st November 2020 and will TX on BBC at the end of march 2021. #staysafe
Episodes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000tqx8/episodes/guide
Press Release: https://www.s4c.cymru/en/press/post/39846/un-bore-mercher-comes-back-to-s4c-for-the-last-time/#
BAFTA CYMRU AWARD NOMINATION FOR BEST DRAMA SERIES 2021
I Designed a three part Drama during the Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown called Cyswllt, here are some details of the exceptional drama below:
"In strange and unprecedented times, where plans are cancelled and technology has become our only means of contact with the outside world, an exciting new Lockdown drama has hit our screens.
Cyswllt (Lifeline) is an intimate drama that gives a snapshot of life during a pandemic, showing the effect of Lockdown on individuals and families. In a pioneering move, it has used only laptops and phones to film the entire three-part series.
The series, which has seen its first episode screened on Wednesday 29th April 2020 on S4C, was the first drama of its kind to be commissioned, shot and broadcast in the UK during Lockdown.
Filmed under strict safety conditions, 'Cyswllt' has captured the changes we are all experiencing in our lives as our relationships and behavior are shaped by fear. Warm-hearted and compassionate in tone, the series interweaves the stories of family and friends over the weeks, bringing tension, split loyalties and big surprises."
BAFTA CYMRU AWARD NOMINATION FOR BEST DRAMA SERIES 2021

In 2019 I designed a brand new series called 'The Tuckers', a BBC Comedy Drama based in Wales written by Steve Speirs, Directed by Ian Fitzgibbon and Produced by Owen Bell.
Broadcast on BBC Cymru/Wales and iPlayer on the 10th January 2020.
So series one of The Tuckers has now been on our screens and the response has been overwhelming, we have the support of Rob Brydon, Rufus Hound, Stephen Merchant, David Mitchel and Jack Whitehall to name just a few, remember you can also binge watch the series again on the BBC iPlayer here https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000d4w4 if you want to watch again.
BAFTA CYMRU AWARD NOMINATION FOR BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME 2020

‘CONCRETE PLANS’ is a feature film set in Wales co-produced by Fractured Films, Perfectmotion and co-funded by Film Agency Wales, the thriller tells the story of a motley gang of builders who take on a remote farmhouse job, only to be ripped off by the aristocratic owner before things spin badly out of control. The film is a snapshot of contemporary Britain – encompassing issues from the black economy, class divisions, immigration and social tensions, but rendered through the prism of a tense thriller as blue collar workers turn on the home owner, then one another against the rugged backdrop of the Welsh mountains, directed by Will Jewell.
https://www.fracturedfilms.com/portfolio/concrete-plans/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10975750/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_2
The trailer for ‘Concrete Plans’ is out now, so proud of the teams hard work as we didn’t have a lot of money but it turned out looking fantastic. The film premieres on Friday at @FrightFest then uk digital launch on 23rd November via @SignatureEntUK, please take a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQU-051Csp8
You can also go to the official website www.concreteplans.co.uk for more details and also watch the trailer and reviews. https://www.concreteplans.co.uk/trailer

Four million people tuned into The Murder of Jill Dando, a production I'm proud to say I designed for the BBC which was broadcast at 9pm on BBC1 on the 2nd April 2019, working alongside the director Marcus Plowright, Producer Georgina Lee and Executive Producer Joe Mather. The documentary was created to mark 20 years since the tragic murder of TV presenter and newsreader Jill Dando back in 1999. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003w40
SEE MORE IMAGES IN THE TELEVISION SECTION
BAFTA CYMRU AWARD NOMINATION FOR A BEST SINGLE DOCUMENTARY 2020
Stephen is an experienced Production Designer with thirty year’s experience in Film and Television.
Stephen has always been a creative individual with a keen eye for design. After completing college, progressing from Advanced Craft to a Higher National Certificate in Building Studies, he decided it was time to step into the creative industries.
In 1996, an opportunity to build sets for Welsh television programmes for S4C became the starting point of his career in film and television.
Driven by determination and focus, Stephen knew this was the career path he wanted to follow. By working through each role and learning as he progressed, he gained a broad understanding of the skills, workloads, and materials involved in set design and construction.
Stephen’s recent Production Designer credits include Boarders 3 (BBC comedy drama), Boarders 2 (BBC comedy drama), Crongton(brand new BBC comedy drama), Boarders (brand new BBC drama), Galwad(Sky Arts drama), Plebs: Soldiers of Rome (feature special for ITV), A Million Days (feature film), The Trick (conspiracy thriller for the BBC), Fflam (thriller for S4C), Keeping Faith III (drama series for the BBC), Cyswllt (lockdown drama series for S4C, shot during the 2020 pandemic), The Tuckers (comedy drama for the BBC), Concrete Plans (feature film), and The Murder of Jill Dando (BBC drama documentary).
Stephen’s Supervising Art Director credits include Northanger Abbey (motion picture), over ninety episodes of Doctor Who, nineteen episodes of Torchwood, the pilot episode of Sherlock, several episodes of The Sarah Jane Adventures, and numerous international feature films shot across multiple countries.
Stephen is highly experienced in budgeting, scheduling, and crewing, with a proven track record of leading large art department and construction teams on complex productions. He regularly manages and collaborates with external partners, including action vehicle companies, armourers, and SFX teams.
Equally comfortable working on location or within studio environments, Stephen has extensive experience partnering with CGI and visual effects teams to deliver ambitious, large-scale sets that meet both creative and technical demands. Stephen has worked internationally throughout his career, with projects taking him to Bulgaria, the Isle of Man, South Africa, Dubai, Romania, and Croatia.
A passionate and versatile designer, Stephen works across a wide range of genres including fantasy, comedy, contemporary, and science fiction, as well as light entertainment and documentary productions. He is committed to giving one hundred percent to every project, consistently delivering the highest standards with meticulous attention to detail, regardless of budget.
Alongside his work in film and television, Stephen has designed sets for numerous nationwide events while studio managing for the BBC. A verified trainer and mentor, he remains actively involved in supporting apprentices and trainee schemes through ongoing development programmes.
With three decades of experience in film, television, and live events, Stephen combines creative vision with practical expertise, delivering high-quality, memorable sets across every genre and format. His commitment to excellence, collaborative approach, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of designers make him a respected and trusted figure in the industry. Whether leading complex productions, working with cutting-edge visual effects, or nurturing emerging talent, Stephen continues to shape the world of production design with creativity, skill, and unwavering passion.
Stephen has extensive experience in project managing high-profile productions, ranging from setting up the first construction workshop for Doctor Who to overseeing the design of the Upper Boat Six Studio complex for BBC Wales. This facility housed the expanding Doctor Who series, along with award-winning spin-offs including Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, and Sherlock.
When BBC Wales decided to relocate, Stephen was tasked with project managing the decommissioning of the Upper Boat site and the move to the purpose-built 175,000-square-foot Drama Hub in Cardiff Bay. This new facility would become the home for productions such as Doctor Who, Upstairs Downstairs, Casualty, and Pobol Y Cwm.
The Upper Boat site included 22,000 square feet of storage for props, costumes, prosthetics, electrical equipment, and a props fabrication workshop—all of which needed to be carefully relocated to the new Drama Hub. Additionally, Stephen managed the decommissioning of the TARDIS interior set, a project requiring meticulous planning due to its scale and complexity. As a trained professional in CDM (Construction Design and Management) regulations, he ensured the move complied with all safety and regulatory standards.
The TARDIS set was carefully flat-packed and stored for BBC Worldwide’s events team in London for use in future exhibitions and events. Following the decommission, Stephen returned the Upper Boat site in full compliance with BBC specifications and landlord requirements.
When Stephen began as Supervising Art Director on Doctor Who in 2004, it was immediately clear that the show was design-led.
As the series grew, he became increasingly focused on showcasing the incredible talent in Wales and the outstanding work being created for the series.
He realized a single document capturing all this creativity would be the perfect way to highlight it.
This idea led Stephen to create a book featuring designs from the ninety episodes (six series) he had Supervising Art Directed. With contributions from Mike Tucker, who worked on the earlier years of the show, the book offered a unique insight into how Doctor Who was made, highlighting its evolution into the iconic brand it is today.
Impossible Worlds was born and published in October 2015. In 2016, it won Best Doctor Who Book (Non-Fiction) in Doctor Who Magazine’s readers’ poll and has been celebrated by fans and art lovers around the world.
The book is still available for purchase on Amazon, Apple Books, eBooks.com, Google Play, Hive, and Kobo. Many have described it as the best Doctor Who book ever produced. For a special touch, there’s a surprise waiting inside the back cover.