Love/Hate star Peter Coonan says he found it difficult to watch his character being subjected to a vicious prison rape in the season finale of the show on Sunday night.

The actor, who plays gangland criminal Fran, also says he did not know that crime boss Nidge was being killed off until he saw the episode.

Peter says he had long discussions with creator Stuart Carolan about the rape scene before filming began.

"You know it made sense in regards to the character and the arc of the character, and this alpha male brought down to this level - and for it to be so graphic as well, was it the right choice?" he said.

"But these things happen - it was hard to watch as well for me".

"I watched it the other night just like everyone else; I didn't even know the Tom character was being shot" he added.

For the full interview with Peter, you can listen here: