Ifan was raised in the village of Cilcain in North Wales among the Flintshire hills. Initially he had no intention of going on stage,wanting a career as a pilot, though, after taking part in a school production of 'Henry V',he changed his mind. This is no surprise given his place in one of Britain's acting dynasties with his grandfather Meredith Edwards a frequently lugubrious presence in many post-war British films and his father Ioan and younger brother Rhys also actors. In 1993 Ifan started a three year course at the Central School of Speech and Drama,gaining plaudits for his role as Hal in Joe Orton's comedy 'Loot'on graduation. Since then he has appeared on stages throughout the country in a variety of roles as well as taking ongoing roles in TV series 'The Grand',Where the Heart Is' and 'Warriors'. In 2012 he impersonated his heroic countryman Fifth Officer Lowe in ITV's epic reconstruction of the 'Titanic' disaster.