Adrian Dunbar Sayings, born August 1, 1958, in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, is an Irish actor, director, and singer, best known for his role as Superintendent Ted Hastings in the BBC’s Line of Duty (2012–2021). His distinctive Northern Irish sayings, often improvised, have become fan favorites, blending humor, grit, and regional charm. Beyond Line of Duty, Dunbar’s career spans films like The Crying Game (1992), Hear My Song (1991), which he co-wrote, and theater with the Royal Shakespeare Company. These 15 sayings—sourced from Line of Duty dialogue, interviews, and public statements—highlight his most memorable expressions, reflecting his wit, cultural roots, and passion for storytelling.
15 Adrian Dunbar Sayings
- “Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wee donkey!” (Line of Duty, Season 6, Episode 7, 2021)
- “Now we’re sucking on diesel.” (Line of Duty, Season 5, Episode 4, 2019)
- “I didn’t float up the Lagan in a bubble.” (Line of Duty, Season 6, Episode 5, 2021)
- “Mother of God!” (Line of Duty, Season 4, Episode 3, 2017)
- “God give me strength!” (Line of Duty, Season 4, Episode 6, 2017)
- “The name’s Hastings, ma’am, I’m the epitome of an old battle.” (Line of Duty, Season 6, Episode 1, 2021)
- “Fella, if I’m going to sling mud, it’ll be a lot worse than that.” (Line of Duty, Season 5, Episode 2, 2019)
- “The ‘Mother of God’ stuff comes from my dad who used to use that all the time. He’d just say ‘Mother’ and we knew what he meant.” (Interview, How To Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, 2021)
- “Some of them were ad-libbed, ‘the wee donkey’ line was ad-libbed. It was something I heard someone saying a couple of years before.” (Interview, Ireland AM, 2021)
- “We’re not here to faff about, let’s get to the truth.” (Line of Duty, Season 3, Episode 6, 2016)
- “I’m calm, I’m just mad as hell.” (Line of Duty, Season 6, Episode 3, 2021)
- “Sure, you’d think I was born yesterday!” (Line of Duty, Season 5, Episode 1, 2019)
- “I’m an Irishman, but I’m also an Ulsterman—there’s no contradiction there.” (Interview, The Irish Times, 2020)
- “There’s no messing about when you’re chasing bent coppers.” (Line of Duty, Season 4, Episode 2, 2017)
- “The arts are for everyone, no matter where you’re from or what you’ve got.” (Interview, Belfast Telegraph, 2019)
Adrian Dunbar’s sayings are a spirited mix of Northern Irish vernacular, dry humor, and a fierce commitment to truth, inspiring you to speak boldly and stay true to your roots. Which saying captures your fancy? Share it below and keep Adrian’s unforgettable legacy thriving!
Emma Thompson
Hi, I'm Emma Thompson, founder of MyLittleDesire. I share relationship advice, love quotes, and thoughtful gift ideas to help you express your feelings and strengthen your bonds. Let's celebrate love together!
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