Adolescence star Ashley star has bravely admitted that he was a 'functioning alcoholic' whilst filming Top Boy.
The 42-year-old, who is now 5 years sober, opened up about the struggles he has faced whilst battling his alcohol addiction over the years.
The TV star, who plays Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe in the hard-hitting Stephen Graham drama, made an appearance on the GRM Daily podcast Thoughts in a Culli.
The show features in-depth interviews with influential figures from the UK, all whilst cruising around in a Rolls Royce.
When asked how often he would drink by host, GRM CEO Koby "Posty" Hagan, Ashley replied: “I was drinking from morning to night.
“I was waking up at seven, if I wake up, I'm drinking.”
Ashley, who appeared on the gritty Channel 4 and Netflix crime drama Top Boy, played the iconic character of Dushane.
He continued: "I was a functioning alcoholic, there's a lot of times you guys would have seen me on Top Boy waved (drunk) or I would have come in very hungover," he admitted.
He played the role alongside Kane Robinson, better known as Kano, and Ashley was asked if his co-star ever noticed his addiction.
“Yeah, I think so, we discussed it. When the time came that I had to get the help that I needed, it was whilst we were filming, actually,” he replied.
“I just had to say to producers and to everyone, I need to go away. I didn't say what for, I just said, I need to go away and I went away for about four or five weeks and just cleansed myself."
Ashley admitted how he would even substitute Mouthwash to fulfil his alcoholic addiction at the time, he said: “Mouthwash has got alcohol in it, I'd drink that if I needed to.
“Alcoholism is not about the drink. Addiction is not about the drug or the thing that you choose to be addicted to.
“It's about you, I'd be out in spaces and I'm like, how come everyone can talk to each other and have conversations happily and laugh and joke and whatever, and I can't?
“When I started drinking, I became the life of the party.
“The worst parts of me and the best parts of me, I was able to show people and that's the issue, that's alcoholism.
“It's about a mindset, It's about feeling like you're different to everyone else.”
A few weeks ago, the Top Boy star candidly shared his struggles with addiction during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show.
"It (alcohol) took its toll on me, my body, it took its toll on my career but more importantly my family, my wife and kids," he revealed.
"The day I decided to get help was the day my six-year old daughter at the time knocked on my bedroom door and said she didn’t want me to live there anymore."
"I went in (rehab) for four weeks and came out a better man."
The Netflix star has now been sober for half a decade and since his time on Top Boy has gone on to feature in some major TV and films projects, including current streaming sensation, Adolescence.
Adolescence has gripped the nation since landing on Netflix earlier this month.
Latest stats revealed that Adolescence had been watched by 6.45 million people in its first seven days
The show examines the dangers of knife crime in the UK and follows a schoolboy named Jamie Miller.
Having found fame in the 90s with rap band So Solid Crew, Ashley - known back then as Asher D - decided to concentrate on his acting career.
IF you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, the most important thing is to recognise the problem and seek support - You don’t have to face it alone.
Seek Professional Help
Consider Support Groups
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