From Jersey Roots to Emmy Glory: Slow Horses Writer’s Inspiring Journey

Will Smith, the lead writer and creator of the popular TV drama Slow Horses, credits his upbringing in Jersey for shaping his career. Smith, who attended Victoria College on the island, says that Jersey's creative community gave him a supportive place to grow as a storyteller. He remembers his childhood as safe and beautiful, with teachers who encouraged his love for writing. Smith believes that the friendships and experiences he had in Jersey helped him become the successful writer he is today. He says, 'I wouldn't be doing it without Jersey and the people that I grew up with. '

Slow Horses, which airs on Apple TV+, follows a group of MI5 agents who have made mistakes in their careers. The show has become a hit and is up for nine awards at the upcoming Primetime Emmys in Los Angeles. Smith himself is nominated for Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series, an award he won in 2024. He has also won two Emmys for his work on the political comedy Veep. Smith says that attending big award ceremonies still feels unreal, especially when he gets to meet famous actors like Harrison Ford. As a child, Smith was a huge fan of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, so being in the same room as Harrison Ford was a dream come true.

Despite his success, Smith says that winning awards is not the most important thing. He believes that writers should be happy with their work, even if not everyone reads it. 'You've got to get into a state where if you write something and nobody reads it, you're still happy that you did it,' he explains. Smith's acting credits include The Thick of It, Citizen Khan, and Paddington. He now lives in London but still feels inspired by Jersey and the people who supported him. Smith hopes that his story will encourage other young people from Jersey to follow their dreams and believe in themselves.