A TALENTED Halesowen actor is being watched by millions of viewers in the hit TV series Line of Duty alongside stars Vicky McClure and Martin Compston.

Gregory Piper is playing gang member Ryan Pilkington in the popular police corruption drama, which airs on BBC1 every Sunday at 9pm.

The six-part series, created by Jed Mercurio, explores the world of police corruption through the actions of the anti-corruption department AC-12.

Former Windsor High pupil Gregory played the same character when he was a 'devil child' back in series one, aged just 13.

The 21-year-old trained at Drama Workshop at Chawn Hill Church in Stourbridge where tutor Esther Stanford recognised his talent immediately.

Esther said: "I knew pretty much as soon as he walked through the door that there was something special about him.

"He did a scene, he didn't have much to say, but he stayed in character and there was just something about him - that indefinable X-factor.

"He's a very intelligent actor."

Gregory was just 13 when he appeared in season one as Ryan, a troubled BMX-riding gang member.

Viewers may remember him shoving Steve Arnott (played by Martin Compston)’s hand into a vice so he could chop off his fingers with a pair of bolt-cutters.

Gregory's character Ryan Pilkington returns to series five as a grown-up member of ‘the balaclava gang’.

Now in his early 20s, Pilkington is reintroduced as part of the Organised Crime Syndicate who attack a police convoy, gunning down three officers and injuring a fourth.

Following his return to the show, Gregory tweeted to fans: ‘Balaclavas off, news is out, look who’s back and all grown up…it’s Ryan.

'So honoured to be asked back, what an experience to say the least. Roll on the rest of the series!’

Gregory's former drama teacher at Windsor High, Karen McAlinden, said the school was delighted with its former pupil's role in the show.

She said: "Greg's success comes as no surprise.

"Not only was he a talented actor but he was also an incredibly positive and supportive student - the ideal attributes any director would value across their cast.

"We are immensely proud of him here at Windsor High School and Sixth Form and are looking forward to his future 'Line of Duty' appearances on Sunday evenings."