Alex Draper (actor)
Alex Draper is a British television and film actor who has appeared in several television shows among other projects.[1]
He is best known for playing the lead character Billy Hopkins in the BBC Drama Phoenix Rise.[2][3][4][5]
Career
Draper's first role was in 2018 in the TV Movie Wonderland. He later appeared in music video Sam Fender: The Borders in 2019 and in the short films Shagbands and Iniquity.
He featured in his second music video David Lindmear featuring Johanson Omen in 2021.
In 2022, Draper appeared in an episode of Doctors as Kieran Archer.
In what is his arguably biggest role to date, Draper appeared as the lead character Billy Hopkins in the award winning BBC drama series Phoenix Rise over its four seasons and 40 episodes.
Following the end of this series, Draper appeared as Mason in six episodes of EastEnders in 2024 and in an episode of Casualty in 2025 as Lewis Moss.
Draper is currently filming for a new project titled "The Beast of Riverside Hollow" where he appears as Deano. The project has not yet been released.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wonderland | 2018 | Alex | TV Movie |
| Sam Fender: The Borders | 2019 | Unnnamed | Music Video |
| Shagbands | 2020 | Damien | Short Film |
| Iniquity | 2021 | Young Craig | Short Film |
| David Linmear featuring Johanson Omen | 2021 | Unnamed | Music Video |
| Doctors | 2022 | Kieran Archer | 1 episode |
| Phoenix Rise | 2023-2025 | Billy Hopkins | Lead Role (40 episodes) |
| EastEnders | 2024 | Mason | 6 episodes |
| Casualty | 2025 | Lewis Moss | 1 episode |
| The Beast of Riverside Hollow | 2025 | Deano | Not released; in production |
Recognition
Although Draper has starred in multiple television productions prior, he became most well known due to his portrayal of Billy Hopkins in BBC Drama Phoenix Rise where he starred in all 4 seasons and 40 episodes as the lead character[8].
He was nominated for (Best) Breakthrough On Screen for his role on Phoenix Rise in the Royal Television Society Midlands Awards.[9][10]
References
- ^ "Alex Draper". TresA. 2023-07-03. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ Masaun, Saskia (2023-03-16). "Phoenix Rise show inspired by our childhoods, creators say". Coventry Live. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Phoenix Rise: Kids' drama rises from the ashes". Royal Television Society. 2023-03-09. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Phoenix Rise - Meet the characters and creators of the bold new school drama". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ Williams, Richard (2023-03-21). "Shrewsbury TV producer's childhood experiences spark new BBC drama". www.shropshirestar.com. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Alex Draper | Actor". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Profile". app.spotlight.com. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ Masaun, Saskia (2023-03-16). "Phoenix Rise show inspired by our childhoods, creators say". Coventry Live. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "Profile". app.spotlight.com. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
- ^ "RTS Midlands Awards 2023". Royal Television Society. 2023-09-27. Retrieved 2025-07-05.
External links
- Alex Draper at IMDb