Line Of Duty fans know Gregory Piper best as baby-faced villain Ryan Pilkington - the OCG member turned police officer who has been keeping a close watch over DCI Joanne Davidson.
So viewers might be forgiven for not recognising the actor as he was pictured looking very cheery as he took a stroll with his real life girlfriend.
Gregory, 23, is dating Becca Fuller who he also teaches acting workshops with to help other inspiring stars get into the industry.
Fresh from entertaining millions on the BBC crime drama, humble Gregory was seen arriving at a West Midlands church to lead the class.
Gregory has been appearing on Line Of Duty since the tender age of 13 when he was picked to become the youngest member of the OCG.
In the latest series his place in the gang has become a crucial part of the plot as he became a trained police officer to keep close watch over Operation Lighthouse - the investigation into Gail Vella's murder.
in Sunday's night dramatic cliffhanger, Ryan was seen pointing a gun at former AC-12 member Kate Fleming, played by Vicky McClure, 37.
The episode ended with two gun shots fired with fans on tenterhooks to see who came out of the shoot-out alive.
Following Gregory's success as the villain fans love to hate, it's rumoured he's in talks with BBC bosses to star in the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
A source told The Sun : "Gregory is a household name because of his turn as evil Ryan.
“The pinnacle for Strictly bookers is someone well known but also someone who is on the BBC, and Gregory ticks both of those boxes."
They added that as the actor is relatively new to the industry that he might feel that going into reality TV now might be too soon, but that producers see him as a "dream signing".
The BBC declined to comment when approached by the Mirror.
