Belfast actor Packy Lee has revealed how his role in Peaky Blinders transformed his life.
The 36-year-old was originally cast for just one scene in the first season of the hit gangland drama.
But his energetic portrayal of proud Traveller Johnny Dogs was enough to convince the bosses to invite him back.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Fast forward eight years and Lee is preparing for the premiere of season 5 of the hit show.
"We have been doing this now for coming up on eight years this October. It's crazy," he said.
"I was only cast for one day in series one. My job was to come in and read out a couple of lines of dialogue, and then go and find some work somewhere else.
"I went in and did it, and they were like 'okay, cool', and within the space of a day they had me on a plane flying back out again.
"The writers slotted me into another bit, and before you know it we are into seasons two, three, four, and now we have five coming up.
"I am an actor, and have touched lucky with a big job which has given me continuous work.
"But you also make your own luck. If I hadn't gone in and given it everything that first day on Peaky Blinders, they might never have invited me back.
"I have asked them several times why they brought me back, and they said it was my energy, and the comic relief that came out of my character. It is something they wanted to exploit. And believe me, they have exploited it in season five!
"I can't give too much away, but there are a few funny scenes. And some big, big scenes which we don't know how people are going to take them."
Season 4 of Peaky Blinders was aired at the end of 2017, with fans chomping at the bit for more episodes ever since.
The next season is expected to be aired this summer, charting the latest trials and tribulations of the notorious Shelby family.
And Lee admits there could be even more in the pipeline.
"The boss man wants to go to seven, maybe eight. So it could rumble on. That's the beautiful thing of the show," he said.
"It has taken off, which is great. We are excited by the new season. We always say the next one is going to be better, but this one is definitely, by far, the best. And I mean, by far.
"The reason the fans have fallen in love with Peaky Blinders is because of who the characters are, and what they do.
"I promise you, we haven't lost that. There is now a lot more at stake."
West Belfast native Lee admits he is proud to be part of such a massive TV hit.
And he is never shy in showcasing his roots when on set.
"There is nobody else from Belfast involved in it, so I feel like I am flying the flag for back home," he says.
"Johnny Dogs does have that southern accent, but I am loud and proud on set with the Belfast accent. Every so often you will hear my loud voice bellowing across the set.
"Peaky Blinders has changed my life. That one day, that one scene. A time when I couldn't afford the flight, it changed everything.
"At one point I remember just thinking 'what is happening?'. It has been a crazy journey."
And if there was one moment when Lee realised his life had changed, it was during a Premier League match at Anfield.
"Through Peaky Blinders, I have become friends with Liverpool footballer Virgil van Dijk," he said.
"He came down to the set of Peaky Blinders one time with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Simon Mignolet and a few others.
"I looked after them. It was actually one of my scenes that day which was great. And we just got on really well with each other.
"He asked me if I liked Celtic , and I am a big fan of Celtic and Liverpool. He started explaining how he once played for Celtic and I was like, "I know Virgil, I know who you are. Let me show you my CV...did you know I was once in The Bill?!"
"One time I was driving in my car when my phone rang. I answered it and the person said 'hi, it's Virgil van Dijk...'. I was like 'dead on, who's winding me up here?'. I thought it was one of my mates.
"Anyway, me and my wife and kids ended up going to watch Liverpool vs Tottenham at Anfield and we were in Virgil's box. Liverpool won 2-1 late on and I was literally hugging Mo Salah's brother who was in the next box.
"At that moment it dawns on you. I am from New Barnsley, and here I am high-fiving Mo Salah's whole family while I am celebrating with my family and Virgil van Dijk's family.
"So if you're asking me did Peaky Blinders change my life? I think there's the evidence."
Lee's Johnny Dogs character has also earned him fame throughout the world.
"I was in Budapest one time, and one of the locals came up and asked me if I was in Peaky Blinders," he added.
"Then one time me and the child were in Spain on a water slide, and a life guard suddenly blows his whistle.
"We thought something was wrong, but he then says 'you Johnny Dogs?'. Even my son said it was getting a bit ridiculous. And he's only eight."
Peaky Blinders returns on BBC One in 2019.
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