Craig Parkinson – Actor, Podcaster and Line of Duty Star
Craig Parkinson is an English actor and podcaster who has become a familiar face on British television over the past two decades. He is best known for playing the corrupt DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan in the hit BBC series Line of Duty, a role that turned him into a household name. Beyond acting, he has built a successful second career as a podcast host, creating the award-winning Two Shot Podcast.
Born in Blackpool, Lancashire, on 11 March 1976, Parkinson trained at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London before building a steady career across television, film, and theatre. His work spans everything from gritty crime dramas to dark comedies, and he continues to take on new roles while expanding his media presence.
This article provides a comprehensive look at his life, career, and the questions fans most often ask about him.
Who is Craig Parkinson? An Overview of the Actor and Podcaster
Actor & Podcast Host
11 March 1976 (Age 48), Blackpool, England
1.95 m (6 ft 4½ in)
Line of Duty, Misfits, Four Lions, The Two Shot Podcast
- Craig Parkinson is an English actor best known for playing Detective Inspector Matthew “Dot” Cottan in the hit BBC series Line of Duty.
- Beyond acting, he is a successful podcaster, hosting The Two Shot Podcast and the BBC Sounds companion series Obsessed with Line of Duty.
- His career spans over 20 years, including iconic roles in Misfits (Shaun), Four Lions (Barry), and Renegade Nell.
- Parkinson is a private individual regarding his personal life, leading to frequent speculation and public questions about his relationship status and family.
| Fast Facts: Craig Parkinson | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Craig Parkinson |
| Date of Birth | 11 March 1976 |
| Place of Birth | Blackpool, Lancashire, England |
| Height | 1.95 m (6 ft 4½ in) |
| Education | Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London |
| Years Active | 1999–present |
| Notable Roles | Dot Cottan (Line of Duty), Shaun (Misfits), Barry (Four Lions) |
| Podcasts | The Two Shot Podcast, Obsessed with Line of Duty |
How old is Craig Parkinson and where was he born?
Craig Parkinson was born on 11 March 1976 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. As of 2025, he is 49 years old. He grew up in Blackpool and later moved to London at the age of 17 to pursue his acting training.
What is Craig Parkinson’s background and training?
Parkinson studied at Blackpool and The Fylde College before relocating to London. He trained at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, a well-regarded drama school that has produced many notable British actors. His early career began in theatre, where he worked extensively before transitioning to screen roles.
What Are the Best Craig Parkinson Movies and TV Shows?
Parkinson’s screen career includes a wide range of television series, films, and theatre productions. He has played everything from corrupt police officers to comedic characters, demonstrating considerable versatility.
What was Craig Parkinson’s role in Line of Duty?
Parkinson is most strongly associated with Line of Duty, where he played the corrupt officer Matthew “Dot” Cottan. The character started as a Detective Sergeant and was later promoted to Detective Inspector. The series became BBC2’s highest-rated drama in history, according to multiple sources. His portrayal of the “bent copper” is widely considered his breakout role.
Who did Craig Parkinson play in Four Lions?
In the 2010 satirical film Four Lions, directed by Chris Morris, Parkinson played the character Barry. The film is a dark comedy about a group of inept British jihadists and has since become a cult classic.
What other notable TV series has Craig Parkinson appeared in?
Beyond Line of Duty, Parkinson has appeared in a wide range of television productions. He played Shaun in the E4 series Misfits, twins Jimmy and Johnny Kray in Whitechapel, and Dougie Raworth in Indian Summers. He also appeared in Doctor Who as the Grand Serpent, and played DS Norman Potting in the ITV crime drama Grace. Other credits include Prey, The Mill, Everything I Know About Love, Mrs Sidhu Investigates, The Secret of Crickley Hall, and Great Night Out. Earlier in his career, he appeared in The Bill and Holby City.
His film work includes Control (2007), where he played Tony Wilson, Brighton Rock, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (as Peter Butler), Soulboy, The Unloved, The Taxidermist, Ghosted, and Virgin Territory. He has also worked extensively in theatre, including productions of Hangmen and a collaboration with Mike Leigh on Ecstasy.
Parkinson’s role as Dot Cottan in Line of Duty is widely considered his most famous. The series became BBC2’s highest-rated drama in history, cementing his place in British television history.
Craig Parkinson’s Podcast: The Two Shot Podcast and Obsessed with Line of Duty
In addition to his acting work, Parkinson has built a significant presence in the podcasting world. He hosts two major podcast series that have attracted large audiences.
What is The Two Shot Podcast?
Parkinson launched The Two Shot Podcast in 2018. It is an interview-based podcast where he talks with actors about their lives, careers, and the craft of acting. The podcast has featured notable guests including Lennie James, Jodie Comer, and Nicole Kidman. It won Best Culture Podcast at the British Podcast Awards, according to professional profiles.
What is Obsessed with Line of Duty on BBC Sounds?
Parkinson also fronted Obsessed with Line of Duty for BBC Sounds. In this series, he re-watched and discussed the entire Line of Duty series with guests, providing behind-the-scenes insights and analysis. The show ran alongside the broadcast of the final series.
The Two Shot Podcast won Best Culture Podcast at the British Podcast Awards. Guests have included major stars like Nicole Kidman, Jodie Comer, and Lennie James.
Who is Craig Parkinson’s Wife or Partner? Exploring His Personal Life
Parkinson is known for keeping his personal life relatively private, which has led to considerable public curiosity and speculation.
Does Craig Parkinson have a wife or a partner?
According to IMDb, Parkinson was married to actress Susan Lynch from 2007 until their separation in 2019. The same source notes they are separated. There is no public, official confirmation regarding a specific new partner. Search queries about a “new partner” appear to stem from fan speculation rather than confirmed information.
Does Craig Parkinson have a son or other children?
IMDb lists that Parkinson and Susan Lynch have one child together. No further details about the child are publicly available, consistent with Parkinson’s preference for privacy regarding his family.
Addressing Health Questions: Does Craig Parkinson Have an Illness?
Search queries about “Craig Parkinson illness” appear periodically online. There is no public, official confirmation regarding any specific current illness. These searches are likely driven by audience interest in health absences or roles, not confirmed medical fact. Parkinson has not publicly addressed any ongoing health condition.
What is the truth behind the ‘Craig Parkinson illness’ search?
No verified sources report that Parkinson has a serious illness. The searches appear to be speculative in nature, possibly arising from gaps in his public appearances or roles. Without official confirmation, these remain unsubstantiated rumors.
Career Timeline
- 1976 — Born in Blackpool, England.
- 1999 — Began his professional acting career, starting in theatre and small TV roles.
- 2009 — Played Shaun in the E4 series Misfits and Barry in the film Four Lions.
- 2012-2016 — Played the iconic role of D.I. Matthew “Dot” Cottan in BBC’s Line of Duty.
- 2018 — Launched The Two Shot Podcast, interviewing actors about their craft.
- 2021-2023 — Hosted Obsessed with Line of Duty for BBC Sounds, re-watching and discussing the series.
- 2024 — Starred in the Disney+ series Renegade Nell and announced new acting projects.
What We Know and What’s Speculated
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Craig Parkinson is a professional actor and podcaster. His date/location of birth, known filmography, and podcast ventures are verified through public records and professional profiles. | There is no public, official confirmation regarding a specific “new partner” or any current illness. Claims regarding these topics arise from fan speculation and unverified social media chatter. Search queries like “Craig Parkinson illness” are likely driven by audience interest in health absence or roles, not confirmed medical fact. |
Context & Analysis
Craig Parkinson’s role as the “bent copper” Dot Cottan on Line of Duty is widely considered his breakout role, making him a household name for UK TV audiences. The series became BBC2’s highest-rated drama in history.
His shift into podcasting reflects a broader trend of actors creating their own media platforms. The Two Shot Podcast is highly respected for its deep-dive interviews with actors and won Best Culture Podcast at the British Podcast Awards.
The sustained search interest in his personal life (wife, partner, children) is typical for actors who maintain a relatively low public profile outside of their work. Parkinson has not publicly addressed most personal questions, leaving room for speculation.
Sources & Notable Quotations
“Craig Parkinson is an English actor and podcaster, born 11 March 1976 in Blackpool, Lancashire, and he is best known for playing DI Matthew ‘Dot’ Cottan in Line of Duty and for hosting the Two Shot Podcast.”
— Wikipedia
“The series became BBC2’s highest-rated drama in history.”
— Performing Artistes / Champions Speakers
“The podcast won Best Culture Podcast at the British Podcast Awards.”
— Champions Speakers
Summary: What is the latest news about Craig Parkinson?
Craig Parkinson continues to work as both an actor and podcaster. He starred in the Disney+ series Renegade Nell in 2024 and continues to host The Two Shot Podcast with new episodes and guests. He also participates in charity events, such as the Brighton Half Marathon, which he announces via social media. For more on actors with similar career trajectories, see our guide to the Jack Davenport Movies and TV Shows – Full List Career Highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Craig Parkinson’s net worth?
Craig Parkinson’s exact net worth is not publicly documented. As a working actor and podcaster with major roles in TV and film, it is estimated to be in the range of several hundred thousand to a few million GBP, but this is unconfirmed.
Where can I find Craig Parkinson on social media?
Craig Parkinson is active on Instagram under the handle @cparkinson76. He occasionally appears on Twitter/X but Instagram is his primary platform for announcements and personal posts.
What is the ‘Two Shot Podcast’?
The Two Shot Podcast is a podcast hosted by Craig Parkinson. In it, he interviews actors about their lives, careers, and the craft of acting, often in long-form, casual conversations.
What was Craig Parkinson’s role in ‘Grace’?
Craig Parkinson played DS Norman Potting in the ITV crime drama series Grace, starring John Simm. His role added to his repertoire of detective/crime genre roles.
What character did Craig Parkinson play in Misfits?
In the E4 series Misfits, Craig Parkinson played the character Shaun, a probation worker who appears in the first two series.
Did Craig Parkinson appear in Doctor Who?
Yes, Craig Parkinson appeared in Doctor Who as the Grand Serpent, a recurring antagonist in the series.
What is Craig Parkinson’s height?
According to IMDb, Craig Parkinson’s height is approximately 1.95 m, which is 6 feet 4½ inches.
Is Craig Parkinson married?
According to IMDb, Craig Parkinson was married to actress Susan Lynch from 2007 until their separation in 2019. His current relationship status is not publicly confirmed.
Does Craig Parkinson have children?
Yes, according to IMDb, Craig Parkinson has one child with his former spouse Susan Lynch. No further details are publicly available.
What is Craig Parkinson’s most famous role?
Craig Parkinson is best known for playing DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan in the BBC series Line of Duty, which became BBC2’s highest-rated drama in history.
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