*Spoilers*
Watching Line of Duty is what we imagine going to three gym classes in a row is like: intense. It sends our heart rates through the roof and our brains into overdrive, and the sheer tension of it all can sometimes feel a bit much.
And it's essentially all down to Stephen Graham's character, John Corbett. He plays an undercover police officer who has infiltrated a violent organised crime group, while desperately trying to uncover corrupt officers.
In a new interview with ES Magazine, the actor revealed he prepared for the role by speaking to a real life Army Intelligencer officer, in order to gain insight into what being undercover is actually like.
"I spoke to a friend of mine who did a lot of undercover work, not as a police officer but in Army intelligence," he explained. "He put his life on the line. Basically, what I came away with was that being undercover is acting of the f***ing highest order.
"We get in make-up, put on a costume and we entertain people. We try and dive into these characters and tell a story. What they're doing is putting their lives at risk. Imagine how high the stakes are."
Considering his character's undercover mission involves organising and heading up raids alongside highly violent criminals, while also trying to inform Steve Arnott of their movements behind the gang's back, the stakes are very high indeed. Agh.
Speaking about landing the role in Line of Duty, Stephen also revealed how happy his mum was for him - namely because of his co-star Vicky McClure.
"My mum is a massive fan of Vicky," he added. "She said, 'Ooh, your mate's in this new thing that's starting.' I've been with Line of Duty off the bat.'
