A business leader from Welwyn Garden City who stars as an actor in Nigerian films seems an unlikely story, but that is exactly what Stanley Evans does.

After being born in WGC in 1955, Stanley has become a leader in growing worldwide businesses, with his travels taking him to Nigeria in 2015.

It is here that he received his MBE for services to British industries overseas earlier this year, but where his acting career has kicked off.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Stanley receiving his MBE in Lagos earlier this year.Stanley receiving his MBE in Lagos earlier this year. (Image: Mick Reader)

Over the past five years, Stanley has featured in 12 major Nollywood productions and numerous TV adverts, with the Nigeria boasting the second largest film industry in the world behind India’s Bollywood.

When a movie needs a British actor, they invariably turn to Stanley, who trained in drama at Heronswood School and also worked as a voice over artist on radio.

“I originally started acting in India in a couple of Bollywood films, these were small appearances where they needed a British person,” he told the Welwyn Hatfield Times.

“I was then asked by a Director in Lagos, where I was based after seven years in India, if I could act, I had my school training as a base and I had also worked for a few years as a voice over artist on Capital Radio London and GWR in Bristol, so I added the two skills together which the producers and directors seemed happy with.”

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Stanley his often selected for British roles in Nollywood. Credit: Stanley EvansStanley his often selected for British roles in Nollywood. Credit: Stanley Evans (Image: Stanley Evans)

Such are Stanley’s talents, he can play non-English roles as well, continuing: “I am mostly typecast as an English officer, diplomat or part of the English Aristocracy, but have also played a German doctor and Cockney businessman.

“I do realise part of it is being based in the right place at the right time.”

Stanley was also keen to thank Heronswood School in his old hometown of Welwyn Garden City, as well as his drama tutor, Nigel Toy.

“It shows once again the power and heritage of Heronswood School in Welwyn Garden City under the leadership of Ralph Bainbridge,” he said.

“I do think sometimes I wish you could see me now Mr Bainbridge and Mr Toy, your teaching worked, so thank you.”