Stuart Wells (born 18 September 1982) is an English former actor. He is best known for his role as Michael in the film Billy Elliot (2000). Wells turned 17 during the filming, but he portrayed an 11-year-old. In 2001, Wells quit acting to join the British Army's 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. He left the Army in 2008 with the rank of corporal after serving three operational tours, including two in Iraq. Wells' brother, John, is also a former member of the British Army.