"I started off running in the winter in my tracksuit like I was in a Rocky movie, “ he laughs, “then I got into the boxing sessions.” He says during this period Stephen, also an executive producer on the series, would send him clips showing how well his boxing progress was going.
I learnt the fundamental basics and then built on that to create Sugar’s unique style and way of fighting.” To help make sure he looked like he knew what he was doing, Stephen signed up the services of his real-life pal Graham Ridge, a boxing expert.
Stephen, best known for his starring roles in This is England, Line of Duty and Boiling Point, says: “It was a really enjoyable experience to get into shape - the best shape I’ve ever been in - and working to create the physical aspects of this bare-knuckle street fighter.
The actor, 51, had to practise long and hard for the role of Sugar Goodson, the self-declared emperor of the East End boxing world and star of the new Disney+ series A Thousand Blows.
In contrast, Sugar’s brother Treacle (James Nelson-Joyce) is very much drawn to the fancy lights of the West End boxing scene, believing that they are missing out on big opportunities by not getting involved.
