Riz Ahmed has described Prime Video’s six-part series “Bait” as his most vulnerable and personal work, after spending a decade bringing it to the screen. The Emmy-nominated actor created, wrote, executive-produced and stars in the comedy-drama, which satirises a struggling London actor whose disastrous James Bond audition unexpectedly makes him a viral sensation.

Ahmed says the series draws on his own experiences, fears and insecurities, including the pressure of public scrutiny and feeling inadequate. Shah Latif’s story explores family, community and mental health, with a panic attack triggered by both online attention and hostile reactions to the idea of him playing Bond; Ahmed says the project was difficult to make because of how exposed it made him feel.