BBC Virdee star's boyband past and 'wildcard' success on X Factor
Actor Staz Nair is currently starring in the new BBC drama Virdee, but he is also known for his time on The X Factor as part of boyband Times Red more than a decade ago
Staz Nair, known for his role in the new BBC drama Virdee, is also recognised by X Factor fans for his musical talents.
In the new crime drama, the 33 year old portrays DCI Harry Virdee, leading an investigation into a serial killer in the local community. However, when the murderer abducts a police chief's child, Harry's ethics are tested as he seeks assistance from his brother-in-law Riaz, a drug kingpin. Although this is Staz's first lead role, X Factor fans may remember him from over a decade ago. Before venturing into acting, Staz gained fame on X Factor in 2012.
The group appeared on X Factor back in 2012 (Image: Ken McKay/PA Wire)During his stint on the show, 19 year old Staz was part of boyband Times Red, impressing judges Geri Horner, Tulisa Contostavlos, Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow with their rendition of Amy Winehouse's Rehab. Their audition became even more memorable when one of Staz's bandmates cheekily revealed his abs on stage.
The group made it to bootcamp, but were then told by Take That star Gary that they wouldn't be progressing further. "Bootcamp for us made us realise how much we really, really want this. It was such a heartbreaking feeling," Staz said in response to the news.
"When you love something so much and you want something so, so much and it gets taken away from you, it's a very hard thing to deal with," reports the Mirror.
The group experienced a rollercoaster ride, initially being dropped from the show only to be brought back when another act quit. They were later selected as Louis Walsh's 'wild card' choice.
"We feel like we're on our third life in this show already! To have the possibility of a wild card is amazing," they expressed at the time. However, their journey was cut short as they didn't make it to the live shows, with Christopher Maloney winning the public vote.
Despite not making it to the final rounds of the competition, Times Red didn't give up on their musical aspirations and went on to release their debut single, Just No Good For Me, in 2013. Reflecting on his X Factor days in a 2025 interview with The Telegraph, Staz shared: "I remember feeling massive anxiety, but massive excitement, too."
He also cherished the experience for bringing him closer to his bandmate, who is an accomplished singer-songwriter. "I was doing it with my adoptive brother. Heâs a phenomenal singer-songwriter, and he and I only got closer from that experience," he added.
Staz stars as DCI Harry Virdee in BBC drama Virdee (Image: BBC)Before landing a role in Virdee, Staz graced the screen in Game of Thrones Season 6 as Qhono, a Dothraki horseman who escorts Daenerys Targaryen through the desert.
Outside of his acting career, Staz is happily married to architect Joana Tavia. The couple, who met in London and now reside near Lisbon, celebrated their union in Sintra, Portugal, last year, surrounded by over 100 guests, as reported by Dream Weddings Europe.
Staz shared his heartfelt sentiments on Instagram, clearly smitten with his partner. He penned a touching tribute, saying: "I never plan on growing up, but growing old with you will be my greatest role in this lifetime. @jtavira," and expressed sincere gratitude: "Thank you for being the absolute s**t, in every aspect. You set the standard in every way. Not a day goes by I don't pinch myself."
Adding a dash of advice to his followers, he concluded, "Find someone you love being silly with. Find someone you like to share everything with. Thank you also to EVERYONE who shared this unbelievable weekend with us!"
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