Nigel Lythgoe

Nigel Lythgoe OBE, also known as Nasty Nigel, is an English television and film director, producer, and choreographer. Born on July 9, 1949, in Wallasey, Cheshire, Lythgoe developed a passion for dance at a young age. He trained at the Hylton-Bromley School of Dance and Drama and the Perry Cowell School of Dance, where he studied various dance styles. Lythgoe's career includes dancing with the Young Generation and choreographing for various shows. He gained prominence as the producer of Pop Idol and American Idol, and as the creator and executive producer of So You Think You Can Dance. Additionally, he created the competition Superstars of Dance in 2009.