The INSIDE MAN
STEPHEN GRAHAM and screenwriter JEFF POPE on their true-crime drama about a foiled plot to murder an MP
Stephen Graham has never shied away from a challenging role. But now the acclaimed actor (The Virtues, Time, Help) takes on one of his most difficult yet as he stars in ITV’S new true-crime drama, The Walk-in.
Reuniting with triple BAFTAwinning screenwriter Jeff Pope, who he previously worked with on ITV’S harrowing factual drama Little Boy Blue in 2017,
Stephen plays activist Matthew Collins, a reformed neo-nazi who infiltrates a racist group to foil their plot to murder an MP.
The five-parter opens in 2015 and finds Matthew working as a journalist for anti-racism organisation Hope Not Hate. Meanwhile, a disillusioned young man, Robbie Mullen (played by Andrew Ellis), is being drawn into the dark world of far-right terror group National Action, whose plans to trigger a race war are galvanised by the 2016 murder of Labour MP Jo Cox.
Here, Stephen, 49, and Jeff, who turns 61 on 2 October, give us their take on the series…
Jeff, what was it in particular about this real-life story that struck you as the basis for a drama series? JEFF
I was intrigued by Robbie Mullen’s story, which was that of someone being trapped in the far right who wanted to get out. But after I chatted to him, I started to understand Matthew Collins’ story. I was compelled by how similar the two tales were. Robbie was essentially an ordinary guy, but he was like a block of modelling clay as a young man and I wanted to explore how much it took for someone like that to be radicalised.
Why did you want to take on the role of Matthew Collins, Stephen? STEPHEN
I had a vague idea of the story, but as soon as I started doing the research and reading Matthew’s book [Hate: My Life in the British Far Right],
I realised there was no way I wasn’t going to do it.
Plus, if Jeff Pope knocks on your door and says, ‘I’ve got this project for you,’ you don’t say no! But the role was a gift for an actor, because you’re playing someone who started off one way and did a total transformation in his way of thinking. He now has completely different beliefs
and different values, which was interesting to look at.
Were Matthew and Robbie involved in the making of this series? JEFF
Yes, they stayed involved throughout and I especially enjoyed working with Matthew. He’s had so many setbacks and struggles, but always kept his sense of humour whenever I met him. I’d liken him to a smoker who becomes a non-smoker, because they’re the most passionate anti-smokers, aren’t they?
I think what Matthew did when he was younger still hurts him and he probably won’t feel he’s ever done enough to atone for his past. That’s just the kind of man he is.
‘I LOVE DRAMAS THAT ARE HARD-HITTING AND PULL NO PUNCHES’ Stephen Graham
How would you describe Matthew and Robbie’s relationship? JEFF
I suppose that’s the story beyond the story. The big headline is the far-right plot to murder an MP, but at the centre of it are these intriguing characters.
When Robbie decides he does want to get out, he has Matthew there, who’s been through it all, to manage the process. Matthew takes him into his house for a time and there’s a fascinating passage of this story where a normal family suddenly has this cuckoo living with them. How do you handle that? But they develop a bond and Matthew always described it as pulling someone back from the brink, because Robbie was not far from the edge.
Stephen, you previously worked with Andrew Ellis, who plays Robbie, in C4 drama This Is England. Was it nice to share the screen with him again? STEPHEN
Yes, I’ve known him for many years and I’ve always thought he was a fantastic actor who hasn’t quite had the opportunity to break into the mainstream. Andrew’s a very outgoing, gregarious guy, but Robbie is the opposite of that, so it was always strange to come on set when he was in character. Andrew’s mannerisms and his whole demeanour had completely transformed; it was surreal.
This is the latest in a long line of challenging roles for you, Stephen. What appeals to you about this kind of project? STEPHEN
I love dramas that are hard-hitting and pull no punches, while also hopefully starting a bit of debate. It’s important for me as an actor to be part of something that is reflecting upon society itself. It has been an honour to be a part of this and I’m really proud of it.