Nick Davies: What Happened to the Phone Hacking Journalist

Few journalists have left a mark on British media quite like Nick Davies. The former Guardian investigative reporter uncovered the phone hacking scandal that brought down the News of the World, leading to multiple police inquiries and nearly 40 convictions before retiring in 2016.

Age: 73 ·
Born: 28 March 1953 ·
Occupation: Investigative journalist ·
Employer: The Guardian (until 2016) ·
Known for: Exposing phone hacking scandal ·
Retired: 2016

Six key facts about Nick Davies, from his birth to his retirement:

What has happened to Nick Davies?

Nick Davies, the investigative journalist who spent years uncovering the phone hacking scandal at the News of the World, retired from journalism in 2016. According to Radio Times, he stepped away from the public spotlight and has not taken on new journalism projects since. His retirement was a deliberate choice — he had spent decades exposing corruption at the highest levels of the British press, and the toll of that work was significant.

What does Nick Davies do now?

Since retiring, Davies has largely kept a low profile. He occasionally gives interviews, but his main public presence is his personal website at nickdavies.net (his personal site). Profiles suggest he has pursued travel and adventure, though specific details about his daily life are scarce. The Radio Times notes that he distanced himself from the public sphere after retiring.

The implication: his absence leaves a measurable gap in investigative journalism focused on media power.

Where does Nick Davies live?

Davies resides in the United Kingdom, but his exact location is not publicly disclosed. He has not shared details of his home address or neighbourhood in any known interviews. What is clear is that he remains based in the UK, likely in England, given his long career at The Guardian’s London office.

Has he relocated?

There is no evidence that Davies has moved abroad. His personal website lists no relocation, and public records indicate he continues to live in the UK. The lack of precise information is consistent with his desire for privacy after retirement.

Is the TV series “The Hack” based on a real story?

Yes — The Hack is a British true-crime television series that dramatises the News International phone-hacking scandal. The series is based on Nick Davies’ book Hack Attack, as confirmed by the ITV Press Pack. It premiered on ITVX and ITV1 on 24 September 2025, and runs for seven parts. The series is set between 2002 and 2012, and also follows the investigation into the unsolved 1987 murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan.

How many episodes of The Hack were made?

The series consists of seven episodes, according to the ITV Press Pack. It was written by Jack Thorne, and David Tennant portrays Nick Davies, as reported by BBC News.

Who are the actors in episode 7 of The Hack?

The full cast list for each episode has not been publicly detailed in the sources used for this article. However, the main cast includes David Tennant as Davies, alongside other actors portraying key figures in the scandal. The Rotten Tomatoes page for the series lists the principal cast, but does not break down by episode.

What did Rebekah Brooks do?

Rebekah Brooks was a key figure in the phone hacking scandal. She served as editor of both The Sun and the News of the World. During the scandal, she was convicted of conspiracy to hack phones, but that conviction was later quashed on appeal. She was acquitted of other charges. According to the The Guardian, the scandal led to multiple police inquiries, nearly 40 convictions, and the closure of the News of the World. Brooks continues to work in media, currently as CEO of News UK.

What was her role in the phone hacking scandal?

Brooks was at the centre of the hacking allegations while editor of the News of the World. She faced charges of conspiring to intercept voicemails, but after a lengthy legal process, she was cleared of the most serious charges. Her role remains controversial, and the The Hack series explores her involvement as part of the broader narrative.

The pattern: the legal system’s high bar for intent evidence allowed a central figure to escape the harshest consequences.

The legacy of Nick Davies is clear: his investigation triggered a chain of events that reshaped British media regulation and led to the closure of a major newspaper. For readers who want to understand press accountability, the story of Davies is a case study in how one tenacious reporter can expose systemic corruption. The Hack series ensures that a new generation can see what happened — and why it still matters.