Ashley Walters has spoken out in defence of the Netflix drama Top Boy, following concerns from some parents about its depiction of drug gangs. The actor, who plays the lead role of Dushane in the show, acknowledged that the series deals with difficult subject matter but argued that it reflects the reality of life for many young people in London.
Walters, 39, rose to fame as a rapper with So Solid Crew before turning to acting. He said that his own experiences growing up on the North Peckham estate in southeast London informed his performance. 'It's a story that needs to be told,' he told the Guardian. 'If we don't tell it, who will?'
The actor also addressed the show's revival by Netflix in 2019 after it was initially cancelled by Channel 4 in 2014. The fourth season is set to be released this month. Walters said he was grateful for the opportunity to continue the story, which he believes resonates with audiences because of its authenticity.
Walters acknowledged that his career has been marked by highs and lows, including a prison sentence in his youth and the cancellation of his previous show Bulletproof following allegations against co-star Noel Clarke. Despite these setbacks, he remains committed to his craft and to telling stories that matter.
