From Line of Duty ..to Spielberg epic
Actor with Down syndrome lands part in WW2 series
UP IN THE AIR Aerial shot of the mini-series’ shoot
EXCLUSIVE
LINE of Duty star Tommy Jessop’s TV career is really taking off – with a part in a series about wartime bomber crews made by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg.
Tommy, who is ill-fated Terry Boyle in the crime drama, was spotted filming Masters of the Air in the village of Bledlow, Bucks.
Tommy, 36, is yet to be announced as a cast member but has tweeted how he had learned boxing, sword fighting and fishing for different films – and teased his latest project was “top secret”.
Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks are executive producers of the mini-series about the US air armada raids on Nazi Germany in the Second World War.
It is billed as a follow-up to acclaimed series Band of Brothers and The Pacific and is produced by the same company, Playtone.
Tommy, who has Down syndrome, said he hoped his success will inspire others with the condition to follow their dreams.
People believed in me. I have been so lucky
TOMMY JESSOP TALKS ABOUT HIS SUCCESS
He said: “I’ve been lucky. People have believed in me and given me opportunities. I hope my career helps more people with Down syndrome.”
Tommy, one of the first actors with the condition to star in a prime-time drama, has been “overwhelmed” by about 2,000 messages of support from fans. He said: “Some people messaging have Down syndrome and it means a lot to have their support.” Tommy has loved being on the show. He said: “I don’t take everyday life too seriously. I enjoy having a laugh with a camera stuck in my face.”
Life has been no laughing matter for his character, who has been interrogated over the murder of a journalist by bent DCI Jo Davidson, played by Kelly Macdonald, and nearly drowned in a lake by PC Ryan Pilkington.
Last Sunday fans began fearing for Terry’s safety when DCS Patricia Carmichael, played by Anna Maxwell Martin, removed the surveillance on him.
Terry first cropped up in series one when criminals stashed body parts of murdered Jackie Laverty in his freezer.
Tonight viewers will find out if DI Kate Fleming, Vicky McClure, has been shot.
But Tommy was giving nothing away. emma.pryer@sundaymirror.co.uk ■■Line of Duty, BBC1
tonight, 9pm
TENSE McClure
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