Nicholas hasn't changed one bit since he first appeared on our screens as the nerdy and neglected 12-year-old, Marcus, in About a Boy back in 2002. However, his friendship with Hugh Grant remained brief and, after disappearing for five years, Nicholas returned - pale faced as ever - as the main character in the new E4 drama, Skins.

His lead role as Tony Stonem was just a slight contrast to his previous character of Marcus. Nicholas went from a shy recluse to a popular but arrogant adolescent. When he was ridiculously run over by a coach at the end of series one, everyone feared for Tony's life; but he returned (albeit with the mental age of a 3-year-old) for the second series until the cast were eventually axed to make way for a fresh batch of wayward teens.

Unfortunately, Nicholas' personal life doesn't match that of his alter-ego, Tony's, and he has thus far managed to steer clear of any notable controversy.