'Line of Duty' star Stephen Graham reveals history of depression and suicide attempt

Line of Duty star Stephen Graham has opened up about his mental health struggles, saying that at his lowest point he tried to take his own life.

Graham, now 46, suffered from depression in his early twenties and told The Sunday Times how he had once attempted suicide but felt very lucky that it hadn’t worked.

Read more: Stephen Graham reveals his wife chooses his roles

He said: "In my early twenties, I suffered from really bad depression and tried to take my own life once.

"Thankfully, the rope snapped and I’m here today.

"But I know the loneliness, isolation and feeling you can’t cope in the world."

The actor, who played an undercover officer gone rogue in the most recent series of BBC’s Line of Duty, is also known for his starring role in TV series This is England.

His career has taken him to the big screen, with roles in Gangs of New York, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Martin Scorsese’s most recent film The Irishman.

Read more: Stephen Graham says Leonardo DiCaprio labelled him ‘an animal’

The star recently revealed that having dyslexia means that he has to rely on his wife Hannah Walters to pick his roles for him, as she will read scripts for him first and then help him to drill them ahead of a shoot.

He said: "I'm dyslexic so I struggle. My missus actually reads the script and says whether or not I'm doing it. She's made some good choices.

"I have to read it and read it and read it, then make it look like it's the first time I'm saying it."

She has certainly made some good choices for him - Graham’s other TV appearances this year have included Save Me and The Virtues, and over the festive season he will be seen as Jacob Marley in Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight’s adaptation of Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol.

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.