The Walk-In is an acclaimed five-part British true-crime drama starring Stephen Graham that tells the true story of how a neo-Nazi plot to assassinate Labour MP Rosie Cooper was foiled by an informant. Based on the real-life experiences of Matthew Collins, a former far-right extremist turned journalist for the anti-racism organization Hope Not Hate, the series explores the infiltration of the banned terrorist group National Action. It originally aired on ITV in October 2022 and remains a significant cultural work in 2026 for its unflinching portrayal of radicalization and the internal mechanisms of extremist organizations in the United Kingdom.
The True Story of Matthew Collins
Matthew Collins, portrayed by Stephen Graham, serves as the central figure of The Walk-In. His life story is a remarkable arc of redemption, beginning as a senior member of the National Front and the British National Party (BNP) in the late 1980s before he became a mole for the anti-fascist magazine Searchlight.
After being exposed as an informant, Collins spent a decade in hiding in Australia to escape retribution from his former associates. He returned to the UK to continue his work as the Head of Intelligence for Hope Not Hate, focusing on the “deradicalization” of young men and the monitoring of underground extremist factions that emerged following the ban on National Action.
Foiling the Plot Against Rosie Cooper
The primary narrative of The Walk-In centers on the 2017 plot by National Action member Jack Renshaw to murder West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper with a 19-inch Gladius machete. The plan was intercepted when Robbie Mullen, a disillusioned member of the group, walked into a pub to meet Collins and revealed the details of the imminent attack.
Renshaw’s plan was not just a lone-wolf incident; it was discussed in detail during a meeting at the Greyhound pub in Warrington, where other members allegedly encouraged the act. Mullen’s decision to become a “walk-in” informant was pivotal, as his testimony provided the necessary evidence for the Crown Prosecution Service to secure life sentences for the conspirators.
National Action: The Banned Terror Group
National Action was a neo-Nazi organization founded in 2013, which gained notoriety for its clean-cut, youth-oriented branding and aggressive social media presence. In December 2016, following the murder of MP Jo Cox, it became the first far-right group to be proscribed as a terrorist organization by the UK government since the Second World War.
The drama highlights how the group continued to operate underground after the ban, using encrypted messaging and secret meetings to maintain their structure. The Walk-In meticulously recreates the atmosphere of these meetings, showcasing the psychological tactics used by leaders like Christopher Lythgoe to radicalize vulnerable young men through a mixture of community and hatred.
Practical Information and Viewing
The Walk-In remains widely available for viewing in 2026, though its availability on third-party streamers varies by region.
Where to Watch: The series is a permanent fixture on ITVX (formerly ITV Hub) in the UK. It has also appeared on Netflix UK and Ireland, though it is subject to periodic removal based on licensing agreements.
Episodes: The drama consists of 5 episodes, each roughly 45–50 minutes long.
Accompanying Content: ITV also produced a documentary titled Nazi Hunters: The Real Walk-In, which features interviews with the real Matthew Collins and Robbie Mullen.
Age Rating: Due to strong language, racist slurs, and depictions of extremist violence, the series is rated TV-MA or 15 in the UK.
Book Link: The series is based on Matthew Collins’ book Nazi Terrorist: The Story of National Action, which provides even deeper detail into the intelligence-gathering process.
Legal Aftermath and Real-World Impact
Following the events depicted in the series, Jack Renshaw was sentenced in 2019 to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years for the plot to murder Rosie Cooper. Christopher Lythgoe was sentenced to eight years for his role as the leader of the banned organization.
The series and the real-life case it depicts led to a significant public discussion regarding the protection of whistleblowers. Robbie Mullen did not enter a formal witness protection program, instead choosing to trust Hope Not Hate and Collins to keep him safe—a decision that remains a controversial but fascinating aspect of the story’s conclusion.
FAQs
Is The Walk-In based on a true story?
Yes, the series is a factual dramatization of the real-life infiltration of the neo-Nazi group National Action and the foiled plot to kill MP Rosie Cooper in 2017.
Who is the real “Walk-In”?
The title refers to Robbie Mullen, a member of National Action who “walked in” to provide information to Matthew Collins at Hope Not Hate.
Will there be a Season 2 of The Walk-In?
As of 2026, there is no second season. The series was designed as a self-contained limited drama covering a specific historical event.
How many episodes of The Walk-In are there?
There are five episodes in the limited series.
Is Stephen Graham’s character a real person?
Yes, Matthew Collins is a real journalist and former member of the National Front who now works for Hope Not Hate.
What happened to Jack Renshaw in real life?
Jack Renshaw is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years in prison for the plot to murder Rosie Cooper.
Where can I watch The Walk-In in the UK?
The best place to watch is ITVX, where all episodes are available for free with ads or ad-free with a premium subscription.
What is Hope Not Hate?
Hope Not Hate is a UK-based anti-racist and anti-fascist advocacy group that uses research, intelligence, and community organizing to combat extremism.
Did Rosie Cooper comment on the show?
Rosie Cooper expressed some concerns about the dramatization of such a traumatic event but acknowledged the importance of showing how the plot was stopped.
Is the book different from the TV show?
The book, Nazi Terrorist: The Story of National Action, contains more technical detail about the intelligence work and Collins’ history, while the show focuses more on the emotional tension of the 2017 plot.
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