Adrian Dunbar granted Freedom of the City of London
The actor described it as 'truly special'
Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar says receiving the Freedom of the City of London is truly special
The 67 year old actor best known for playing Superintendent Ted Hastings in the BBC drama was recognised for his contribution to drama and his support for emerging acting talent.
Following the Freedom ceremony, he said: “Having arrived in the City of London to take up my course in Drama at Guildhall School in 1980, to then work with the RSC at the Barbican and recently, in Kiss Me, Kate, and with Guildhall Alumni, to round off this journey nearly 50 years later with the Freedom of the City of London is truly special.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for making this singular honour happen.”
Dunbar’s film and TV credits include Ashes to Ashes, Broken and Silent Witness.
In 2018 he was nominated for a best supporting actor Bafta for Line Of Duty.
He is also known for co-writing and starring in the 1991 film, Hear My Song, which follows the owner of a failing club as he seeks Irish singer Josef Locke to help him bring business to his club.
The comedy drama starred Ned Beatty and was nominated for a best original screenplay Bafta award.
Dunbar was nominated for the Freedom the City of London by the chair of Guildhall, Emily Benn, as well as the former lord mayor of the City of London, Alderman Sir William Russell.
Benn said: “Adrian Dunbar is a Guildhall School great: one of the defining actors of his generation, thrilling us with unforgettable performances.
“All of us at Guildhall School are hugely proud of everything that Adrian has achieved since he graduated, and we are also very grateful for his ongoing support of the school and our students, helping the next generation of Guildhall talent to go on to thrive on stages and screens around the world.”
The award comes nearly two years after he received the Fellowship of Guildhall school – the institution’s highest accolade.
The Freedom of the City of London is believed to date back to 1237 and is granted by the City of London Corporation to celebrate outstanding contributions to London life.
First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.