Lennie James tried to "emulate" Jed Mercurio's writing style whilst working on 'Line of Duty'.

Lennie James

Lennie James

The 54-year-old actor took the opportunity to take some notes when he was starred in the screenwriter's police drama and he wanted to use the same "awe-inspiring" techniques to help him pen his own series 'Save Me'.

Speaking on the 'Series Linked' podcast, he explained: "I had said to someone earlier, I think, a lot of Jed and Sally Wainwright, may be at the moment are two of the people who really know how to put together an hour of television better than anybody else. I just think they're phenomenal. Their skill is just awe-inspiring.

"I've had a look at Jed and look at the way that he does it. Of course, I was influenced by it because I'd be stupid not to. I also wouldn't be the only writer who doesn't look at the way that Jed puts it together and try and emulate it."

However, Lennie was too afraid to directly ask Jed for advice on his script writing as he knew he would turn him down.

When asked if he had learned any lessons from working alongside the 'Line of Duty' creator, Lennie replied: "Advice, I was frightened to ask because I know that Jed would say, 'Don't do it. Who do you think you are?' But yeah, I'd be lying if I didn't say that I'd tried to emulate some of the things that Jed does particularly well."

Despite his nerves, the star said it was a "gift" to work on the BBC drama with such a talented cast.

He added: "I remember what a gift of a part it was, and just how fantastic it was getting a chance to bring such a complicated character to life, really. It was huge amount of fun.

"I also just remember what a fantastic time I had with Martin [Compston] and Neil Morrissey and Craig Parkinson and Vicky [McClure]. We just had the best time and we shot that one in Birmingham.

"We shot in Birmingham before production, moved over to Northern Ireland, and we just had a fantastic time hanging out and being together and they became friends for life."

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