Born in the Industrial North of the UK he spent his early years in Leeds, moving later to the Brewing Town of Tadcaster, both in west Yorkshire. He attended Tadcaster Grammar School. Following the death of both his parents as a young teenager Nick moved to the South. Leaving school he joined the RAF and then moved into commerce before finally returning to University to read Law. After graduation he attended The College of Law and undertook a Bar Vocational Course. Ironically his first major role was in 'Michael Apted'_ production of Amazing Grace, dressed again in a wig to play the part of an Member of Parliament.

It was his 16 year old daughter, Verity-Jayne, that started him in acting. The pair of them spent a whole weekend searching the net for a, in Nicks view, a "suitable" agency. When Nick identified one his daughter refused to register. So Nick did! 3 days later he got a call and his career started.