Kimberley Nixon Says Staying in Pontypridd Keeps Her Grounded

Welsh actor Kimberley Nixon has revealed that living in her hometown of Pontypridd has helped her stay grounded throughout her career, even as she takes on major roles in film and television.

Early Career Challenges

Speaking on BBC Radio Wales with Bronwen Lewis, Nixon reflected on her early years traveling from Ynysybwl, Rhondda Cynon Taf, to London for auditions. She admitted that some auditions “went really, really badly,” but returning home gave her perspective.

“My value [in Pontypridd] wasn’t placed on whether I got that job or not,” she explained. “I would get back on the train, come home to Ponty, and my life here had nothing to do with that.”

Staying True to Her Roots

Nixon said growing up in a small Welsh village made her question whether she could break into acting, but the separation between her professional and personal life helped her cope with rejection. She recalled filming Easy Virtue in 2008 alongside Colin Firth and Kristin Scott Thomas, then returning home at weekends. “I remember being in Ponty in the opticians and people were saying ‘are you filming with that Colin Firth?’ and I was like ‘sort of yeah.’ But mainly, nobody cared. I never get recognised in Ponty hardly ever.”

Current Role in Under Salt Marsh

Nixon currently stars in Sky’s crime drama Under Salt Marsh, playing Shell Hill, the mother of a nine-year-old girl whose death shocks the fictional town of Morfa Halen. The role adds to her diverse career, which includes appearances in the comedy Fresh Meat and the drama The Guest. Despite her success, Nixon says living in Pontypridd has kept her grounded and true to herself.