'I'm just a mixed-race kid from flats in Kirkby'

Stephen Graham was named outstanding lead actor for his role in the hit Netflix series

Actor Stephen Graham has described himself as "just a mixed-race kid from Kirkby" as he accepted an Emmy award for his starring role in the acclaimed Netflix drama Adolescence.

In his acceptance speech, the 52-year-old, who grew up in the Merseyside town, said: "This kind of thing doesn't happen to a kid like me."

Adolescence saw Graham play Eddie Miller, the father of a teenage boy accused of killing a female schoolmate.

The star, who was named outstanding lead actor, also paid tribute to his children and wife Hannah Walters who he described as his "rock" and "soulmate".

The series scooped six trophies at the awards, including one for outstanding supporting actor which was won by Owen Cooper who, at just 15, became the youngest-ever male Emmy winner for his breakout performance in Adolescence.

Stephen Graham played Eddie Miller, the father of a 13-year-old boy accused of murder

Graham is mixed race, with Jamaican heritage on his father's side.

Speaking on BBC's Desert Island Discs in 2019 he talked about how, growing up, he had felt "slightly unsure where I fitted in" and how his stepfather, who is also mixed race, taught him about his cultural heritage.

He said his stepfather - who he affectionately calls "Pops" - had supported his desire to become an actor and would regularly take him to Quarry Green video shop in Kirkby which Graham said was the start of his love affair with films.

After cutting his teeth at the Everyman Youth Theatre in Liverpool, Graham found widespread fame with his performance in Shane Meadows' 2006 film This Is England before going on to star on the big and small screen on both sides of the Atlantic.

He has also previously spoken openly about attempting suicide and how his family, friends and love helped him to "slowly come round to the understanding that it was okay; life was worth living".

• BBC Sounds: Desert Island Discs - Stephen Graham

In his acceptance speech at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday he said: "This kind of thing doesn't happen to a kid like me. I'm just a mixed race kid from a block of flats in a place called Kirkby.

"So for me, to be here today, in front of my peers and to be acknowledged by you is the utmost humbling thing I could ever imagine in my life and it shows you that any dream is possible.

"There's too many people to thank but I am going to thank my friends and family. Without you, none of this is possible.

"Thank you for helping me with something that I can't do on my own.

"Jack, everyone, Phil, everyone. I want to bring it to my dad for taking me to the video shop when I was a kid and kick-starting my education in film - Quarry Green video shop.

"My kids Grace and Alfie and my adorable wife, who I love with every ounce of my being - you are my rock, you are my world, you are my soulmate and you know and I know, without you, I would be dead.

"So from the bottom of my heart I love you with everything I have. Namaste everyone, thanks very much."