Adrian Dunbar, originally from Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

The honour, given by the City of London Corporation, recognises his contribution to drama and his support for emerging talent. Dunbar is widely known for playing Superintendent Ted Hastings in the BBC series Line of Duty.

He was nominated by Emily Benn, chair of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and former Lord Mayor Alderman Sir William Russell. Dunbar graduated from Guildhall in 1983 and received the school's fellowship, its highest accolade, in 2024.

His stage and screen credits include Ridley, Ashes to Ashes, The Crying Game, and My Left Foot. He co-wrote and starred in the 1991 film Hear My Song, which earned a BAFTA nomination for best original screenplay. He also received a BAFTA nomination for best supporting actor for Line of Duty in 2018, and made his musical theatre debut at the Barbican Theatre in Kiss Me, Kate last year.

Reflecting on the award, Dunbar recalled arriving in London in 1980 to study drama at Guildhall, working with the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Barbican, and recently performing in Kiss Me, Kate. He described receiving the freedom now as the completion of a journey nearly 50 years in the making.

Guildhall School Principal Jonathan Vaughan said the institution was pleased to see Dunbar recognised and noted his continued mentoring and scholarship support for new performers. Benn described him as a defining actor of his generation.

The Freedom of the City of London dates back to 1237 and is given for significant achievements. The City of London Corporation invests over £145 million each year in culture and heritage, supporting institutions such as the Barbican Centre and the London Symphony Orchestra.