'Adolescence' actor offered to adopt young co-star when his mom died shortly after filming

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By Kim Novak

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Adolescence star and writer Stephen Graham once offered to adopt one of his young co-stars after their mother died shortly after filming.

GettyImages-2177993127.jpgStephen Graham has been making the headlines for 'Adolescence'. Credit: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImage/Getty Images

The 51-year-old has been hitting the headlines in recent weeks since Adolescence dropped on Netflix, fast becoming a huge hit on the streamer.

The series has been praised for its impressive cinematography - with every episode shot in one take - as well as it's vitally impactful storyline.

The series centers on 13-year-old schoolboy Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate and the disturbing cyberbullying that led to the fateful incident.


But the series is not the only thing Graham has been making headlines for as a sweet act of kindness has recently resurfaced.

Back in 2006, Graham starred in the cult classic movie This Is England, playing Andrew 'Combo' Gascoigne.

The film focused on 13-year-old Shaun, played by Thomas Turgoose, and the pair ended up striking up a close friendship during filming.

GettyImages-72216384.jpgGraham (left) and Turgoose (second left) struck up a friendship on the set of This Is England in 2006. Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Tragically, not long after the movie wrapped, Turgoose ended up losing his mother to cancer, and was faced with having to live with his father, who he barely knew.

He revealed that Graham had been so moved by his loss that he even offered to adopt Turgoose if there were any issues with him living with his biological father.

Turgoose revealed on the Private Parts podcast in 2021: "I remember. I sat in my bedroom for days and weeks, and I was so confused. This isn’t the lifestyle that I’m used to.

"I spent a lot of time with Shane Meadows and Stephen Graham. They agreed between them that if they didn’t get on with my dad, or if they didn’t see my dad fit to bring me up, they was gonna adopt me."

Though it was a big transition for the young actor, thankfully things ended up working out with his father.

He explained: "But they met my dad. And my dad is a proper bloke! He’s worked his a**e off his whole life, and he’s respectable.

"Me and my dad are best friends now, whereas, when I moved in with him, I didn’t know him."

GettyImages-1233030867.jpgThankfully things worked out with Turgoose and his father. Credit: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Jaguar UK

Though Graham didn't end up adopting Turgoose, the pair have maintained a great relationship both on and off screen ever since.

He previously told The Independent: "I was made a promise by Stephen Graham and Vicky [McClure] that when This Is England was released, it wasn't just gonna be 'That's it.' They promised to stick by me and support me."

Featured image credit: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImage/Getty Images