Craig Parkinson – Actor, Podcaster, and Line of Duty Star
Craig Parkinson is an English actor and podcaster, born on 11 March 1976 in Blackpool, Lancashire. He is best known for his role as DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan in the acclaimed BBC crime drama Line of Duty, as well as memorable performances in Four Lions and Misfits. Beyond acting, he has built a reputation as a podcast host, creating and presenting The Two Shot Podcast.
Parkinson’s career spans more than two decades, with credits across British film, television, and radio. He began his training at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London after studying at Blackpool and Fylde College. His early screen work included guest roles in dramas such as Dalziel and Pascoe before he gained wider recognition.
Despite his public profile, Parkinson keeps much of his personal life private. This article draws on verified sources—including Wikipedia, IMDb, and Rotten Tomatoes—to present a clear, factual overview of his life and work.
Who is Craig Parkinson?
Craig Parkinson is a British actor and podcaster from Blackpool, England. He is widely recognised for playing Detective Inspector Matthew “Dot” Cottan in all six series of Line of Duty, a role that made him a household name among UK television audiences. He also played the twins Jimmy and Johnny Kray in Whitechapel and Shaun in Misfits.
Below is a summary of key biographical details.
- He is best known for playing Dot Cottan in Line of Duty and as a podcaster.
- He started his career at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts after moving from Blackpool.
- He hosts The Two Shot Podcast, a popular UK acting industry interview show.
- Personal details such as relationship status and health are not publicly confirmed by the actor.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (as of 2025) | 49 |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) (approximate from multiple sources) |
| Children | One son |
| Spouse / Partner | Not publicly confirmed |
| Notable roles | DC Matthew ‘Dot’ Cottan (Line of Duty), Malik (Four Lions), Shaun (Misfits) |
What movies and TV shows has Craig Parkinson been in?
Parkinson’s filmography covers a wide range of British film and television. He played Malik in the satirical film Four Lions (2010), appeared in the biographical drama Control (2007), and took roles in Soulboy, The Unloved, and Brighton Rock. More recently, he featured in the interactive film Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.
What role did Craig Parkinson play in Line of Duty?
Parkinson played DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan, a corrupt police officer who becomes a central figure across all six series of Line of Duty. His character’s arc—from trusted detective to revealed “caddy”—is considered one of the show’s most impactful storylines.
What character did Craig Parkinson play in Four Lions?
In Four Lions, Parkinson played Malik, a member of a bumbling terrorist cell. The film, a dark comedy directed by Chris Morris, remains one of Parkinson’s most recognised film credits.
What was Craig Parkinson’s role in Misfits?
Parkinson played Shaun, a sarcastic and world-weary probation worker, in the E4 superhero comedy-drama Misfits. He appeared in the first three series of the show.
What other TV series has Craig Parkinson appeared in?
- Whitechapel (as Jimmy and Johnny Kray)
- The Secret of Crickley Hall
- Sandylands
- Doctor Who
- Vera
- Grace (as DS Norman Potting)
- Mrs. Sidhu Investigates
- Prey and The Mill
- Renegade Nell (Disney+, 2024)
Parkinson’s filmography also includes short films such as Virgin Territory and The Taxidermist. These are cited in professional summaries but may not be widely available on streaming platforms.
What is known about Craig Parkinson’s personal life?
Parkinson was married to actress Susan Lynch. The couple separated in 2019. They have one son, whose name is not publicly disclosed. Sources indicate that the family lived in Camden and Crouch End in London before moving to Gloucestershire during their marriage.
Who is Craig Parkinson’s wife or partner?
Craig Parkinson was married to actress Susan Lynch. As of mid-2025, he has not publicly confirmed a new partner. Any reports about a new relationship remain unverified.
Does Craig Parkinson have a son?
Yes, Parkinson has a son. The child’s name and specific details are kept private, in line with the actor’s general approach to his personal life.
Does Craig Parkinson have an illness?
There are no verified reports or official statements regarding any illness at this time. Speculation online about Parkinson’s health is not supported by any credible source.
How tall is Craig Parkinson?
Industry listings vary. Most sources list his height at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m). One language version of Wikipedia lists him at 1.94 m (about 6 ft 4.5 in), but this is not confirmed by primary sources and should be treated as unverified.
Height and other physical details vary across secondary sources. No reliable weight information appears in any of the available references.
What podcast does Craig Parkinson host?
Parkinson launched The Two Shot Podcast in 2017. The show features interviews with actors, directors, and other creative professionals, and it has become a respected platform within the UK acting community.
What is The Two Shot Podcast about?
The Two Shot Podcast is an interview series where Parkinson talks to guests about their craft, the industry, and their personal experiences. The podcast won Best Culture Podcast at the British Podcast Awards in 2018.
Does Craig Parkinson host a Line of Duty podcast?
Yes, Parkinson also hosted the BBC Sounds companion podcast “Obsessed with… Line of Duty” for the show’s sixth series. The podcast provided behind-the-scenes insight and interviews with the cast and crew.
Parkinson’s move into podcasting reflects a broader trend of actors building personal brands through digital media. The Two Shot Podcast continues to release new episodes as of 2025.
Timeline of key career milestones
- 1976: Born in Blackpool, England.
- 1990s: Attended Blackpool and Fylde College, then Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.
- 2000s: Early theatre and TV roles, including a guest appearance in Dalziel and Pascoe.
- 2009–2013: Played Shaun in Misfits.
- 2010: Played Malik in Four Lions.
- 2012–2016: Portrayed DI Dot Cottan in Line of Duty.
- 2018: Starred in Killed By My Debt (100% RT score).
- 2018: The Two Shot Podcast wins Best Culture Podcast at the British Podcast Awards.
- 2020–present: Continues hosting The Two Shot Podcast.
- 2024: Appeared in Renegade Nell on Disney+.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 11 March 1976 in Blackpool. | New partner status — no official confirmation as of mid-2025. |
| Known roles in Line of Duty, Four Lions, and Misfits. | Illness — no credible reports or statements. |
| Hosts The Two Shot Podcast. | Exact height varies slightly across secondary sources. |
| Has one son. | No reliable weight information available. |
What is the broader context of Craig Parkinson’s career?
Craig Parkinson is a prominent but private figure. Public data about him is largely limited to his professional roles. His performance as Dot Cottan in Line of Duty is culturally significant within UK television, helping to define the modern police procedural genre.
His transition from acting to podcasting reflects a broader industry trend of actors building personal brands through independent media. The Two Shot Podcast stands as a primary source for Parkinson’s professional voice and current projects.
Fan speculation about his personal life—particularly around a new partner or health—is not supported by any public evidence. Readers should treat such claims with caution.
Where can I find verified information?
Wikipedia provides the most comprehensive verified biography of Craig Parkinson, including early life, career timeline, and personal life details.
— Wikipedia editorial overview
IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes are authoritative sources for filmography credit verification and ratings data.
The Two Shot Podcast serves as a primary source for Parkinson’s professional voice and current projects. He also hosted the BBC Sounds companion podcast “Obsessed with… Line of Duty” for series 6.
Summary: Craig Parkinson’s life and career
Craig Parkinson is an English actor and podcaster, best known for his role as DI Dot Cottan in Line of Duty, as well as appearances in Four Lions, Misfits, Doctor Who, and Renegade Nell. He hosts the award-winning The Two Shot Podcast. While his professional life is well documented, his personal details—including relationship status and health—are largely private and should be treated with caution. For readers interested in similar British acting careers, you may also enjoy reading about Mackenzie Crook – Biography, Career, and Key Facts and Bonnie Langford – Age, Career, Doctor Who and Net Worth.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Craig Parkinson?
Craig Parkinson is approximately 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) tall, based on available industry listings.
Does Craig Parkinson have a son?
Yes, Craig Parkinson has a son, though the child’s name and details are kept private.
Does Craig Parkinson have an illness?
There are no verified reports or official statements regarding any illness at this time.
What is Craig Parkinson’s new partner’s name?
Craig Parkinson has not publicly confirmed a new partner as of mid-2025.
What is Craig Parkinson’s most famous role?
He is best known for playing DI Matthew “Dot” Cottan in the BBC series Line of Duty.
What podcast does Craig Parkinson host?
He hosts The Two Shot Podcast, which won Best Culture Podcast at the 2018 British Podcast Awards.
Did Craig Parkinson appear in Doctor Who?
Yes, he made a guest appearance in Doctor Who.
Where was Craig Parkinson born?
He was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, on 11 March 1976.
What role did Craig Parkinson play in Four Lions?
He played Malik, a member of a bumbling terrorist cell, in the 2010 dark comedy Four Lions.
Was Craig Parkinson married?
He was married to actress Susan Lynch. The couple separated in 2019.
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