If you spend any time watching Springwatch or following British wildlife circles, you’ve probably heard the name Nick Chevallier. Usually, it’s tucked away in a sentence about Michaela Strachan. “Michaela and her long-term partner, Nick.” It’s a bit of a lazy label, honestly. Because if you actually look at the film credits of the last thirty years, the man is a total powerhouse. He isn’t just someone standing in the background of a Cape Town sunset; he’s one of the few people who can navigate the gritty, dangerous world of African conservation documentaries and then turn around and win international film awards.
The thing about Nick Chevallier is that he seems perfectly happy in the shadows. While Michaela is the face of the BBC’s most loved nature shows, Nick is the one obsessed with the frame. He’s been based in Hout Bay since 2003, living a life that most of us would give an arm for—balancing massive international film projects with deep-dive documentaries that actually try to change the world.
As of April 2026, he’s hitting a career-high, and it’s about time the “boyfriend” tag got swapped for “industry heavyweight.”
What’s going on with Nick Right Now?
Look, 2026 has been a massive year for him professionally. He’s been all over the festival circuit for his award-winning documentary, Wild Coast Warriors, which has been cleaning up at international film festivals from Berlin to London.
But at the same time, he’s dealing with the “empty nest” at home in Cape Town. Their son, Oliver, is now twenty and off at university in Loughborough. So, while the career is booming, the personal life is shifting into a new gear.
Moving Between Two Worlds: From Lions to Global Screenings
It’s rare to find someone who can handle a camera in the middle of a poaching crisis and then sit in a high-tech suite to polish a feature-length documentary. Nick Chevallier does both. His documentary work—stuff like Blood Lions and the more recent Wild Coast Warriors—is legendary in the industry.
These aren’t your typical “isn’t nature pretty” films. They’re hard-hitting, uncomfortable, and designed to move the needle on conservation laws.
The success of Wild Coast Warriors has been particularly notable. It was recently awarded “Best of the Fest” at the Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival. It nabbed Best Feature Documentary at the Big Syn International Film Festival in London.
That’s the “Nick” signature—authenticity. Whether it’s a rural community battling for its land or a conservation crisis, he wants an audience to feel the grit and establish the connection. His work has been licensed to universities across the UK and Canada. The film’s official screenings report demonstrates that these films serve as essential educational tools.
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The Hout Bay Life: Twenty-Three Years in the Sun
Let’s talk about the South Africa connection. A lot of people wonder why a couple so famous in the UK would choose to live in Hout Bay. But if you’ve been there, it’s clear. It’s rugged, it’s beautiful, and it’s a million miles away from the London paparazzi. Nick Chevallier and Michaela moved there in 2003, and they’ve created a life that’s notoriously “unmarried” but also rock solid.
They have raised a family of four — Oliver, their son together, and Nick’s three children from his first marriage: Jade, Tom and Sam. Michaela has frequently talked about how Nick was her “rock” when she battled breast cancer in 2014 and again in early 2016 when a new health scare arose.
During a recent chat on the How to Be 60 podcast, it came out that a lump on her throat caused some serious panic during Springwatch. Nick was the one behind the scenes, keeping things grounded while they waited for the results. That’s over two decades of being the steady hand in the storm.
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The Shift to Campaign Filmmaking
Anyway, what’s he doing next? The whisper in the industry is that Nick is moving away from the “for hire” documentary work and putting his weight behind “campaign films”. This is a different beast entirely. It’s film as activism.
He’s been a fixture at the Mountainfilm Festival for years, and now he’s pushing for stories that focus on “ancient mysteries” and spiritual connections with nature.
His work on Wild Coast Warriors wasn’t just a film; it was a record of a society entering a period of rapid change. It shows a man who, after thirty years of filming the world, is starting to ask deeper questions about how we treat the planet.
It’s a far cry from the technical jargon of a studio, but that’s the beauty of his career. He contains multitudes.
Final Thoughts
Look, the bottom point is this: Nick Chevallier is a rare breed in a very loud industry. He’s spent three decades perfecting his craft without ever feeling the need to shout about it. In an era where everyone is a “content creator”, he’s a proper filmmaker. He’s the dude who wants to ensure the stories of those unheard indigenous people don’t get lost and that real lions don’t vanish from our world.
But really, the next time you see Michaela on your telly, just think of that person behind her! He’s likely in the midst of cutting another award-winning edit or saving another species. Not exactly a bad way to spend your time, is it? Personally, we think his transition into “Best of the Fest” winner is a long-overdue recognition of a very quiet genius.
What do you reckon? Is it better to be the face of the show or the one holding the camera?
FAQ
Is he ever going to marry Michaela?
Probably not. They have been together since 2003, and they’ve often said that they don’t need a piece of paper to remain committed. Michaela even joked last year about a “two-for-one” wedding with their stepdaughter, but they ultimately decided it wouldn’t work.
What is his actual job title?
He is a Director, Producer, and Cinematographer. He often handles both the creative vision and the technical filming on his projects.
Where does he live?
Home is Hout Bay, Cape Town. But with his son Oliver at Loughborough University and his film premieres happening globally, he spends a lot of time travelling to the UK.
Is he a grandfather?
Yes. Last year, the family celebrated the arrival of two grandsons within five months. Michaela shared her pride for Nick’s daughter Jade on social media, noting how blessed they feel with the new arrivals.
How does he handle Michaela’s fame?
By staying out of it. He rarely does interviews and prefers to let his work do the talking. Friends say he’s the ultimate “calm in the storm.”
Sources and References
- Wild Coast Warriors Official Site: “Screenings and Awards: Winner Best Feature Documentary (Big Syn London) & Best of the Fest (Encounters)” (Updated: March 2026). Details the global tour and educational licensing of his latest cinematography work.
- Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival: “Director Profile: Nick Chevallier – 30 Years of Socio-Environmental Excellence” (Published: June 2025). Provides a comprehensive look at his career with the BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery.
- Indigenous Film Distribution: “Portfolio: Nick Chevallier – From Blood Lions to Wild Coast Warriors” (Accessed: April 2026).
- The Mirror: “Michaela Strachan on her ‘happily unmarried’ life in South Africa with Nick Chevallier”(Updated: April 2026). Covers the couple’s 23-year history, their move to Hout Bay in 2003, and their approach to fame.
- How to Be 60 (Podcast with Kaye Adams): “Episode: Michaela Strachan on Health Scares and Family Support” (Aired: February 2026). Features Michaela discussing Nick’s role during her recent biopsy for a throat lump.
- Wales Online: “BBC Springwatch star Michaela Strachan shares joy over family expansion as Nick Chevallier becomes a grandfather” (Published: Late 2025). Confirms the arrival of two grandsons and updates on Nick’s adult children, Jade, Tom, and Sam.
