A STAGE actor says he enjoyed the “amazing experience” of filming for his first television appearance in drama created by Shameless writer Paul Abbott.

Ste Johnston stars as one of eight regular cast members in the new show based on a group of Manchester-based policemen.

The eight-episode series follows the group on the front line wondering what they did to end up where they are on the ugly side of Manchester and has been likened to an X-rated version of The Bill.

Ste, 28, from near Parr, plays one of the regular characters PC Jonah Mitchell in the new programme.

“This is my first big TV show and it’s amazing to be in my first TV job,” said Ste, a former Sutton High pupil.

“It is set in a police station and there are eight police officers as lead characters of which I’m one.

“It starts off with a serial killer on the loose which is the underlying arc of the series.

“It was filmed all around Manchester. We were there from last July and finished just before Christmas so we were there about five months.

“The cast was incredible and working with Paul Abbott was great. It’s a jet-black comedy and Paul is hoping it will change the face of police productions shows.”

The cast includes former Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps star Will Mellor, Friday Night Dinner star Paul Ritter and Alexandra Roach.

“It’s very funny but there are some dark bits as well and it pushes the boundaries. They had a press screening which was really well-received,” added Ste, who has been a member of the national youth theatre whose previous work has included acting in Shakespeare productions in an outdoor festival in Petersfield, Hampshire.

No Offence started on Channel 4 at 9pm on Tuesday, May 5.