Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.

In a heart-wrenching moment during his Emmys acceptance speech on Sunday, September 14th, Stephen Graham disclosed that he would not be alive today without the support of his wife, Hannah Walters.

The 52-year-old star of Adolescence earned the award for outstanding lead actor in a limited series, thanks to his remarkable performance in the British Netflix series that premiered in March.

Besides his acting role, Graham co-wrote the drama with Jack Thorne, and he also received an award for outstanding writing at the esteemed event.

The series, which revolves around a 13-year-old boy named Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) who is accused of murdering a classmate, captivated audiences worldwide upon its release and topped Netflix’s most-watched list.

Graham portrayed Jamie's father, Eddie Miller, who must grapple with the reality of his young son committing murder throughout the show.

What some fans may not know is that the actor's wife, Hannah, co-produced Adolescence and made a cameo in the series.

She took on the role of Mrs. Bailey, a teacher at Bruntwood Academy.

It was no surprise that Graham thanked his wife during his Emmy acceptance speech, yet there was a deeper, poignant reason for his gratitude.

On stage, he became emotional as he addressed the audience: "This kind of opportunity doesn't typically come to someone like me. I'm just a mixed-race kid from a block of flats in a place called Kirby.

"Being here today, recognized by my peers, is the most humbling experience imaginable, proving that any dream is within reach.

"There are too many people to thank, but I must acknowledge my friends and family. Without you, none of this would be possible. Thank you for your support in ways I couldn't manage alone."

The actor emotionally thanked his wife Hannah Walters during his acceptance speech at the Emmys (Jeff Spicer/Getty Image)

He also expressed gratitude to his father for 'introducing me to film by taking me to the video shop as a child', as well as to his children Grace, 20, and Alfie, 18.

Graham then lovingly thanked Hannah, referring to her as his 'adorable wife' whom he loves 'with every ounce of his being'.

He told her, as she sat in the audience: "You are my rock. You are my world. You are my soulmate.

"And you know and I know, without you, I would not be here. So from the bottom of my heart, I love you with all that I am."

The actor has previously spoken openly about how Hannah has been his support during difficult times, including his struggles with mental health and a previous suicide attempt.

In an interview on Radio Four's Desert Island Discs, Graham recounted experiencing a challenging period in his early 20s after moving to London to pursue his acting aspirations.

Graham won the Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a limited series for his role in Adolescence (Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

He shared on the radio show: "I experienced a breakdown. Going to London on your own is tough. I returned home, and my parents tried to understand what was happening to me.

"I'll never forget the tears on both their faces."

Graham added: "The next day, I attempted suicide. It was a calculated decision. I wore a high-neck jumper. My mum noticed something was wrong. Everything came out, and fortunately, life proved worth living."

Shortly after this period, he met Hannah at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, and they married in 2008.

He explained: "That was when Hannah truly entered my life. She was aware of what had happened and stayed in close contact with my mum."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.