Stephen Graham was overcome with emotion during his Emmy acceptance speech as he declared "this kind of thing doesn't happen to a kid like me".

Adolescence became an immediate worldwide phenomenon when it landed on Netflix earlier this year, chronicling the tale of a teenage boy accused of fatally stabbing another youngster.

Graham played Eddie, the father of the aforementioned teenager Jamie Miller, brought to life by 15-year-old Owen Cooper who has made history as the youngest male actor to secure an Emmy.

When the 52-year-old stepped onto the stage to collect his gong for Outstanding Lead Actor, he reflected on his background prior to entering the acting world.

Graham shared: "This kind of thing doesn't happen to a kid like me. I'm just a mixed race kid from a block of flats in a place called Kirkby."

"So for me, to be here today, in front of my peers and to be acknowledged by you is the utmost humbling thing I could ever imagine in my life, and it shows you that any dream is possible."

Whilst Graham was born in Kirby, Lancashire, he possesses both Jamaican and Swedish ancestry through his father's lineage.

His biological grandfather was amongst the Windrush generation who relocated to the UK from Jamaica in the 1960s but passed away before the actor's birth.

Graham has previously spoken candidly about enduring bullying during his youth, revealing to Desert Island Discs: "I'm mixed race and that was kind of frowned on in those days.

"There were times growing up when I was slightly unsure where I fitted in. That n-word popped up when I was younger."

Graham also revealed how his step-father Mike Fazakerley, whom he lovingly refers to as Pops, supported him during this challenging period.

He added: "He [Mike] helped me see who I am and what I am is good enough.

"He helped me find my own way and I got that sense of self in many respects from my mother, finding your own way."

Adolescence emerged as the standout success story at this weekend's Emmy ceremony, securing six prestigious awards.

The accolades encompassed recognition for both Graham and Cooper's stellar performances, alongside honours for Limited or Anthology series, and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Erin Doherty.

Adolescence is available to watch on Netflix.