Rapper Drake is such a fan of Ashley Walters’s drama Top Boy, he’s apparently offered to fund a third series.

The Channel 4 series focused on Ashley’s character Dushane and his rise to the top of an underground drug dealing gang in a fictional housing estate.

The gritty take on life in east London co-starred Kane Robinson – also known as rapper Kano – as Dushane’s friend Sully.

Former So Solid Crew rapper-turned actor Ashley Walters
Former So Solid Crew rapper-turned actor Ashley Walters (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Despite critical acclaim and a dedicated following, Channel 4 cancelled Top Boy after two series in September 2013.

Speaking shortly after the news was confirmed, former So Solid Crew rapper Ashley said: “We had a third series in mind, which is why the second was left the way it was, but it hasn’t been commissioned again.

“I was quite disappointed to be honest, but it’s just the nature of the beast sometimes.”

However, the news that Canadian hit-maker Drake is hoping to revive Top Boy and set it in Chicago will cheer up fans.

“Drake thought it was proper,” Ashley told Not For The Radio.

“I was speaking to Future mainly, Drake’s manager. We were going back and forth. And we were like, ‘Put a deal on the table’.

Canadian rapper Drake
Canadian rapper Drake (Ian West/PA)

“Eventually they got in contact and asked, ‘What’s happening with series three?’ I told them Channel 4 had cancelled it.

“They said, ‘That’s sad, but we’re going to do something about it.’ Furthermore Drake was like, ‘You need to break America’. He wanted to help.”

However, production company Cowboy Films owns the rights and that could prove a stumbling block.

 Top Boy stars Ashley Walters (left) and rapper Kano
Top Boy stars Ashley Walters (left) and rapper Kano (John Stillwell/PA)

“Drake made an offer and they turned it down,” Ashley revealed. “I don’t know what is going on with it – but I heard they are talking about a Top Boy Chicago.”

The 33-year-old recently starred in biblical BBC drama The Ark alongside David Threlfall and Nico Mirallegro. He will soon be seen in cop drama Cuffs, co-starring Sherlock star Amanda Abbington.