Stephen Graham has said that he took a starring role in Venom 2 to please his son Alfie.

The Irishman actor, 46, is set to appear in the sequel starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock, an investigative journalist who merges with an alien creature.

Graham said his son was “very excited” about his part, and that he was looking forward to working alongside Hardy again, after the pair starred in the dark drama Taboo in 2017.

Sentebale Audi Concert 2019 – London
Tom Hardy (Andrew Matthews/PA)

He told the PA news agency: “I don’t know (what it will be like) yet. I will tell you when I have shot a few days. I am really looking forward to it.

“My little boy is very excited. Our Alfie is very excited. I am really looking forward to it.

“Like I said, I have worked with Tom a couple of times now. I know Tom really well. He is a close friend. I am just really looking forward to getting on set and seeing what it is like.”

Asked whether he had taken the role because of his son, he said: “Alfie, it was. Yeah, Alfie.”

Into Film Awards 2019 – London
Andy Serkis (Ian West/PA)

Graham’s role in Venom 2 remains a mystery.

Lord Of The Rings and Black Panther star Andy Serkis is directing the sequel, which is expected to star Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris and Woody Harrelson.

Graham spoke at the red carpet launch of Steven Knights’ adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, which starts on December 22 at 9pm on BBC One.