Stephen Graham has slammed reality TV shows.
The 40-year-old actor - known for playing Al Capone in US drama 'Boardwalk Empire' - was devastated after learning of the decision to axe BBC Four's original drama programmes, and is convinced trashy television is taking over the industry.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, he said: "I feel really strongly that we need to invest in drama, rather than this f***ing 'Celebrity Come Dine With Me' and that 'TOWIE' s**t and Dancing With B******s.
"That stuff really p****s me off.
"They'll stop funding Jimmy McGovern to make 'The Street' or 'Accused'.
"But they'll get a bunch of d*******s to come and decide who is the best cook."
The Hollywood star believes hit film 'This Is England' turned him into household name but almost cost him his career because he struggled to land another acting job after the movie was made in 2007.
He added to Big Issue magazine: "I learned so much from director Shane Meadows on 'This Is England'. He makes you feel like you're a champion or a kite that could just fly off into the wind - and he guides you from place to place.
"That film was when it all came together for me as an actor. Though afterwards I couldn't get an acting job for eight months.
"I was about to pack it in and become a youth worker."
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