Stephen Graham reveals he did all his own stunts on A Thousand Blows after getting into shape to play brutal boxer

Stephen Graham has revealed that he performed all his own stunts on the set of his new drama A Thousand Blows.

The actor, 51, has taken on the role of  veteran boxer Sugar Goodson in the Disney+ series, and admitted that he did all of the physical work in preparation. 

Speaking on The Graham Norton Show, he said: ‘I had six months to prepare so we did it properly – it was great fun getting into it. 

‘I also enjoyed the science of it, the food, and having a fantastic boxing coach. I’m still doing it and really enjoy it.

‘The stunt doubles didn’t get a look in. Everything was choreographed to within an inch of its life.’

When asked if there will be a second series of the sports drama, he replied: ‘Hopefully.’ 

Stephen Graham revealed during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show that the ‘stunt doubles didn’t get a look in’ on the set of his new drama A Thousand Blows

The actor, 51, has taken on the role of veteran boxer Sugar Goodson in the Disney+ series, and admitted that he did all of the physical work in preparation

Stephen was taught by a real life boxing expert as well as personal trainer and spent hours in the gym to perfect his physique. 

He told The Mirror:  It wasn’t all about having a six-pack, it was about trying to create a street brawler. I put some weight on and then worked on the cutting process’.

‘We packed me up in the shoulders and back first – I really wanted that authenticity in my physique. I learnt the fundamental basics and then built on that to create Sugar’s unique style and way of fighting. To help make sure he looked like he knew what he was doing’.

The TV hardman will debut his bulked-up and tattooed physique in the drama, which has been penned by Peaky Blinders creator Stephen Knight, when it is released on  on February 21.

He previously reflected on making the series and said : ‘I turned 50 during filming, but it’s the fittest I’ve ever been. And probably the best I’ve ever looked.’

Despite the hours of physical endurance in the gym lifting heavy weights, it was the change in his diet that he found ‘hard’.

The Line Of Duty actor said: ‘It was a four month process to reach peak condition. We did it all properly. I had blood tests. My diet was laid out.’

‘I followed my workout plan to the letter. I’d smash the gym four times a week doing heavy weightlifting, with boxing training on the other three days.

‘It was a lot but extremely enjoyable. The hard part was the food. I was constantly eating to bulk up. Loads of whey, carbs and protein. Three thousand calories per day. It’s difficult to cram that much down you.’

He said: ‘I had six months to prepare so we did it properly – it was great fun getting into it’

Stephen was taught by a real life boxing expert as well as personal trainer and spent hours in the gym to perfect his physique 

The actor recently revealed that he channelled two well-known boxers who inspired his performance

The actor revealed that he channelled two well-known boxers who inspired his performance.

He said: ‘I tried to emulate Mike Tyson and Lenny McLean the ‘Guv’nor of unlicensed boxing]. I wanted Tyson’s stature and sheer brutality, combined with Lenny’s snarling, explosive anger.’

‘Win by any means necessary. Elbows. head-butts, anything goes. It’s not a tickling competition, it’s a bare-knuckle fight.’

The Graham Norton Show airs on Friday at 10.40pm on BBC One. It is also available on BBC iPlayer