RTE crime drama’s Aaron inspired by Dunkirk movie star

TAKEN Down’s Aaron Edo has revealed he plans to follow in the footsteps of Hollywood star Barry Keoghan.

The Dubliner, who plays teenager Isaiah in RTE’S new crime drama, said he was inspired by the Love/hate and Dunkirk actor, 26.

Aaron added: “The plan is to be as big as Barry, hopefully.”

Acting since he was a toddler, he said he wasn’t nervous ahead of the show launch this month despite the huge press build-up.

Aaron added: “I wasn’t really to be honest. I knew the whole storyline of it. It was something I was really proud of and it was something I really wanted to a part of.

“It wasn’t really the reaction that I minded. You play the part well and the script was really beautiful and I was just glad to be part of the story.”

Born in Ireland after his Nigerian mother moved in search for more opportunities while pregnant, the star admitted he made a conscious decision not to pay attention to any racism or negativity prior to the series.

Speaking at the launch of Vaults Live, a theatre attraction inspired by Irish history, he said: “I decided not to look at it because everyone is going to have their own opinion.”

HUMBLED

However, emphasising the importance of the series that shines a light on Direct Provision, Aaron said: “I’m truly humbled to be part of such a show. It is a big project.” He also admitted he was shocked by the amount of attention his toned chest received but said: “I actually joined the gym two months before it to prepare.”

Aaron stars alongside his brother Sean in the show, who plays his onscreen sibling Oba but that wasn’t always the plan. Speaking about the accidental casting, director David Caffrey said: “When they first came to visit us, he [Aaron] originally came in first and [mum] Matilda and Sean were sitting at the side waiting.” Explaining he asked Sean to get involved too, Caffrey said: “That is what happens a lot. It is usually someone who is waiting outside. “Then the two of them came in and you can’t buy the fact they are brothers at the right ages we’re looking for. “I couldn’t believe what good actors they were. Then I spoke to Matilda on the phone and figured out she was the brains behind the operation.”