Stephen Graham has hit out at his critics after being told to “get a proper job”.
The actor has this week received an OBE for his services to drama after being named in the New Year’s Honours List.
The 49-year-old received royal honours during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
In a moving tribute, he dedicated the honour to his late mum, who he announced on December 31 had passed away.
The telly star, best known for his role as Andrew Gascoigne in the 2006 film This Is England, took to his social media after receiving the award to hit out at his critics.
In a post on his Twitter and Instagram pages on New Year's Eve, he told fans he was dedicating the honour to his late mum, who had died a few days earlier.
The actor announced the death of his mum with a touching tribute which read: "This incredible, inspirational, woman & the purest heart my mum passed away.
“Her words as a child ‘no one is above you and no one is below you all are equal’ have remained with me throughout my life.
“I feel so honoured and proud to share this with her An OBE for both of us Mum."
On Thursday, Stephen returned to social media to give fans a rare update.
He posted a black and white photo, taken by his daughter Grace Graham, showing him beaming as he clutched his OBE medal.
Captioning the snap, the actor said: "For you mum and for any kid that's ever been told to 'get a proper job'".
Stephen, who was nominated for three BAFTAs in 2022 for performances in Time, Boiling Point and Help, received an outpouring of support from fans following the post.
Taking to the comments, one fan said: "Love ANYTHING you're in!! Well done lad, thanks from millions for not getting a 'proper' job".
Another wrote: "Well deserved [clapping emojis]", while a third penned said: "One of the best actors in the country finally getting the credit he deserves".
Another gushed: "Have always loved your work for years. Your Mum will be so proud".
