Actor Stephen Graham expressed his shock at BBC prison drama Time winning a BAFTA TV Award for Best Mini Series, beating popular Channel 4 show It’s A Sin, Landscapers and Stephen.
The three-part series, starring the Liverpool actor alongside Sean Bean, depicted a prison officer and prisoner navigating life inside. When prison guard Eric McNally (Graham) is singled out by a dangerous inmate, he must put his principles and family on the line.
The team behind the critically-acclaimed show looked surprised when Time was announced as winner. During the speech, they confirmed that they were not expecting the win.
READ: Cathy Tyson pays tribute to Channel 4 after Best Supporting Actress win at BAFTA TV Awards
Stephen Graham said: “You know when people say ‘We weren’t expecting this’, on my ma’s life, we really weren’t expecting this”. He then went on to praise the “phenomenal cast of young working class men who were absolutely outstanding, every single one of them.”
He continued: “And it was an absolute joy to be a part of. I just want to say, this is the reason that I wanted to be an actor as a kid, to tell stories which had a social commentary.” He also praised the “outstanding” work of the other nominees.
Despite the team’s own shock, many fans were thrilled with the choice. @LegauntRoland tweeted: “Finally Stephen Graham the UK's best actor wins a Bafta…”
@killingjodiee agreed: “IM HAPPY FOR STEPHEN HIS ACCENT HAHAHAHA I NEED TO HEAR JODIES AGAIN ON STAGE”. @Melwelshbird said: Just when you can’t love this man anymore @StephenGraham73 he makes a speech like that. So happy for #Time it was brilliant”
Some fans did not completely agree with the BAFTA’s decision, especially as they were up against the hugely popular show It’s A Sin.
@minimars73: “Time was fabulous but not a patch on It's a Sin”. @M_o_r_g_a agreed: “Love Stephen Grahame, but how did Time win when up against Its a Sin?!?”
Sean Bean has also won a BAFTA for best Leading Actor for his work in the show, beating It’s A Sin’s Olly Alexander and Time co-star Stephen Graham, for his role in Help. Sean called his co-star Stephen Graham "incredible" during his acceptance speech, which was read in his absence.
This is Stephen Graham’s first BAFTA TV win, after being nominated four times previously. The actor missed out on this year’s award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2021 Channel 4 series Help.
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
