The Walk-In's Stephen Graham on why he chooses 'truthful' dramas
The Peaky Blinders actor opens up about what drew him to his character, a former Neo-Nazi.
Stephen Graham plays former Neo-Nazi turned activist Matthew Collins in ITV's latest drama The Walk-In.
In it, Graham's character works for anti-fascist and anti-racist organisation Hope Not Hate, after leaving his own fascist past behind. The main focus of his work is to stop the radicalisation of young white men before it begins, which he does by sending moles, known as walk-ins, into far-right groups.
Set against the backdrop of the EU referendum and taking a look at just how dangerous the polarising times we live in can be, the series makes for an 'unsettling' watch. But that's precisely what drew Peaky Blinders star Graham to it.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
“I think it’s important we have drama like this that tells the truth. It’s the reason why I choose the scripts I do," he told Radio Times magazine.
"I love to go into people’s living rooms and create conversation and debate, try and bring about some discussion about what they’re watching. It’s important for me, as an actor, to be part of something that’s a social commentary.”
The series was written by Oscar-nominated and BAFTA multi award-winning screenwriter Jeff Pope, who also collaborated with Graham on Little Boy Blue.
Pope echoed Graham's sentiment, telling Radio Times: “With a lot of stuff that I do, I think it needs to be aired. We need to understand this. If we tolerate this, it’s a small step to something far, far more serious.”
You can read the full interview in this week's issue of Radio Times magazine.
The Walk-In is available to watch on ITV Hub. You can also get a 30-day free trial of ITV Hub+ on Amazon Prime Video.
Check out our Drama hub for more news, interviews and features or find something to watch with our TV guide.
The latest issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now – subscribe now and get the next 12 issues for only £1. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey.
