You may remember as the sweet-natured young son of Nessa and Smithy in but the actor behind the character has other ideas for what his life would be like now.
Oscar Hartland, 14, was one of three babies who played Neil in the original three series of the BBC sitcom. He was then the person selected to return for the in 2019.
The episode ended with the ultimate cliffhanger when Nessa () proposed to Smithy (), and pretty much since the closing credits we’ve been wondering if there’s going to be a follow-up.
One person who would be happy to be involved is Oscar.
‘I think it would be cool. If they wanted me to do it I would do it,’ Oscar tells Metro.co.uk.
The actor is already brimming with ideas too as to what Neil would be doing now as a teenager, so if writers Ruth, 56, and James, 44, are reading, get your notepads out.
‘Neil should have a dark turn. He has always been very likeable, so that would be fun.’
He’s not the only one who’s come up with a concept – Oscar’s mum Kirsty also has her own vision: ‘She thinks Neil should do music, and Nessa should be his manager.
‘We could do a duet together.’
This would be perfect for Oscar, who is a rock star in real life.
The youngster is currently competing on The Voice Kids. His first audition impressed the judges and led to Pixie Lott, Danny Jones and Ronan Keating turning their chairs around – which indicates they wanted Oscar and his band Redwood City on their team for the show’s upcoming rounds.
His journey from acting to singing began around two years ago when Oscar discovered his admiration for rock music and started his band with three friends.
They began performing in their local area in South Wales’ Caerphilly and posting videos on social media.
Their music caught the eye of The Voice Kids’ casting team, and they were invited to audition for the show.
‘I thought, “Why wouldn’t we do it?” I was amazed that they had seen it. It was an opportunity we couldn’t refuse.’
He describes the ITV stage as ‘a big jump’ from the local festivals they were used to.
‘I thought I’d feel the same as any other performance, but actually, I got quite nervous. I knew I just had to get out there, do it and then see their reaction.’
Upon seeing all the judges but Will.i.am had turned their chairs for him, Oscar was pretty joyous. The rising star was steadfast in who would be his mentor.
‘It was always Danny since the start. He’s who I wanted. Although Ronan gave a good pitch, I couldn’t be swayed.’
And why rock? ‘It’s for everyone, all ages. You can be more creative than with pop music.’
His rocker image is a little different from sweet Neil, and it’s partly why he can’t watch the Christmas reunion back.
‘I don’t like the way I look. I’ve grown up now, and look different. I’ve watched The Voice audition back quite a few times though, and I’ve been analysing my performance.’
That doesn’t stop him from having sweet memories of partaking in the iconic episode.
‘Me and Rob Brydon would spend hours playing Scrabble together. I would actually quite like to watch that back – he’s so funny.’
‘I learnt more about acting in two weeks than some people learn in years,’ he added.
‘Ruth taught me how to channel my energy in performances, which I get to use in music too.’
The Voice Kids continues Saturday on ITV1 and ITVX.
