Born in Northern Ireland, Adrian Dunbar, 64, studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. His early films include My Left Foot (1989) and The Crying Game (1992). He co-wrote and starred in Hear My Song, which was Bafta-nominated for best screenplay and won best comedy film at the 1992 British Comedy awards. In 2012 he was cast as Superintendent Ted Hastings in Jed Mercurio’s BBC drama Line of Duty which has run for six seasons. He stars in ITV’s new detective series Ridley. Married with a daughter and stepson, he lives in London.
When were you happiest?
My first year of drama school: a sense of freedom, doing something I wanted to do and being with lovely people.
What is your greatest fear?
Drowning.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Being a bit mean now and again, too impetuous, snappy, bit of a temper.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Needless aggression and bullying.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
When I was 10, I dived off the high board in the local swimming pool and my trunks came off on the way down.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
Not having come from a class that understands how the world works.
Describe yourself in three words
Tenacious, energetic, empathetic.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A grownup.
What makes you unhappy?
Meanness and bullying.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I’m not very happy with my beer belly.
What is your most unappealing habit?
Overconfidence and bringing too much to the party.
What scares you about getting older?
Death.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Carol Vorderman.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
You’ve had so many chances.
Would you choose fame or anonymity?
Anonymity.
What was the last lie you told?
I’ve forgotten – so I am not a good liar.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Drink.
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What does love feel like?
Custard.
Have you ever said ‘I love you’ without meaning it?
Absolutely.
Which words/phrases do you overuse?
Sound.
What is the worst job you’ve done?
Working in an abattoir.
If not yourself, who would you most like to be?
I’d really like to be Davina McCall. She’s admirable and she stays so fit.
How often do you have sex?
Not as often as I used to.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
If I was 40 again.
What has been your closest brush with the law?
Line of Duty.
Would you rather have more sex, money or fame?
Money.
Tell us a secret
One day the Tories will not be in power.
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