Isn't he? I don't know if you've watched much of his other work post-HCL, but he spent years while he was in the Headstones and, later, HDRC, doing small parts -- thugs and bad guys -- and there was always this element of Hughishness about his roles. But when he plays Ed, I just see Ed. It's like he's really got it. So it's been really exciting seeing him grow as an actor.

I haven't seen Durham County -- I fear it -- but I expect that's the same.

(Um, I don't mean this to sound patronising about him. You know how it is -- you get all invested in your BSOs. It's exciting when they do well! *g*)