Edge Hill Alumnus Celebrates Screen Success with BAFTA-Nominated Series
Edge Hill University graduate Philip Shaun McGuinness is enjoying remarkable success on screen following his starring role in the BAFTA-nominated television series G'wed. The show has resonated deeply with audiences through its authentic depiction of young people and everyday life in Merseyside, capturing regional experiences with genuine warmth and accuracy.
From University to Professional Recognition
Philip Shaun McGuinness, a 37-year-old actor born and raised in Kirkby, attributes his professional development and acting approach directly to his formative years at Edge Hill University. Now working professionally across stage, television, and film productions, he describes G'wed as an especially meaningful project that holds personal significance.
"It's been a wonderful experience to see people from the region represented so well on television," Philip explained. "Witnessing young people being portrayed so positively has proven incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally." The series' third installment is scheduled to premiere on ITVX later this year, continuing its celebration of Merseyside culture.
A Career Milestone and International Exposure
The BAFTA nomination for G'wed represents a significant career milestone for Philip, which he describes as a genuine 'bucket-list moment' that reflects years of dedication, preparation, and professional growth. His career trajectory expanded internationally when he secured a role in the acclaimed American television series The Alienist, working alongside established actors including Dakota Fanning, Luke Evans, and Daniel Brühl.
"That was my first major role working away from home on such a large-scale production," Philip recalled. "The set felt like visiting Universal Studios - daunting at first, but absolutely unforgettable in retrospect." He has also collaborated with Martin Freeman on The Responder and cites experiences working with actors like Stephen Graham on Being Keegan as formative moments that emphasized the importance of humility, professionalism, and mutual respect on set.
Embracing Diverse Character Roles
Philip maintains ambitious career goals and expresses passion for exploring a wide spectrum of character roles across different genres and formats. "All I have ever wanted is to establish myself as a versatile character actor and experiment with different creative challenges," he stated.
He highlights the distinct differences between his recent characters: "The characters I've portrayed - Mr Dunn in G'wed, Ian in The Responder, and Fat Jack in The Alienist - are truly poles apart in personality and background, which makes the work continually engaging." This diversity demonstrates his commitment to developing varied performances that showcase his acting range while contributing meaningfully to each production's narrative.
