Scots actor Martin Compston gives major Line of Duty update

Martin Compston has officially confirmed the future of Line of Duty after three years of speculation.

The Scots actor, 39, who hails from Greenock, plays Anti-Corruption Unit Detective Inspector Steve Arnott in the hit crime drama alongside Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar.

The BBC show has been a firm fan favourite since it first aired in 2012 when viewers saw the iconic trio outing corrupt officers in the force.

It's now three years on since the last episode aired and the future of the show has remained in doubt ever since, the Mirror reports.

The finale episode of series six came to a close on May 2, 2021 with around 15.39 million viewers tuning in after the show's popularity spiked during the Covid19 lockdown.

Martin, who is returning to Soccer Aid later this year has now opened up about reprising his role on the hit drama.

Speaking to the Mirror he said: "I'm sorry. They're some of my closest friends, we all love Jed [Mercurio], and we'd all love to work together at some point but there are no immediate plans.

"It's just getting us all together and stuff. We'd like to but yeah, these things are a bit complicated. But there are no immediate plans."

Speaking of his return to Soccer Aid alongside the likes of Roman Kemp and Sir Mo Farah, the actor and former professional footballer said: "I was coach last year, it's more nerve-wracking being at the side of the pitch knowing you couldn't affect it so I'm delighted to be putting my boots on again this year at Stamford Bridge.

"We always have a good time here. It's a brilliant stadium to play in so I'm really excited."

However, the Scots actor admitted it'll be "difficult" getting himself ready for the big day on June 9 as he'll be preoccupied filming before taking to the pitch.

Due to strict insurance for actors, Martin will not be allowed to engage in any contact sports while on the job.

He explained: "Maybe a week before I'll get a ball out. If I had the time if Soccer Aid had me back, I'd love to have a couple of months off beforehand to do proper training and get into it.

"I'm lucky to be in work but I'll try and be on the treadmill before I get there."

Martin confessed that it is possible to train "too hard", which previously resulted in him pulling a muscle.

He said: "There was one job I was filming and the rule was I can train but I had to be one side of the pitch and another guy had to be on the other side of it and he had to kick a ball to me, that's all he could do.

"I'm lucky to be in work but when you turn up and you've got players like Ronaldinho, you're not going to be any good anyway, just enjoy it."

The 39-year-old joked that he "didn't want to make an ar*e of himself" in front of some of the world's biggest footballing stars who also take part.

He added: "The pros are fantastic, they're really encouraging. Ben Foster last year was amazing, Robbie Keane, they'll talk you through it.

"Patrice Evra was the most enthusiastic guy in the world. We have a great time in training but they do switch before the game."

He said that he and his fellow celeb players, as well as some football legends, do take the game very seriously as if they are competing in the Champions League.

Martin said: "I would have loved to have played with Zidane," he said after the French legend played in the 2010 match at Old Trafford.

"Either Messi or Ronaldo would be something else if you could ever get them two, I might be in my 50s by then so they'd have to wheel me out".

Soccer Aid is still affordable for people during the ongoing cost of living crisis which Martin says is one of the main reasons that drove him to sign up.

He stated: "It is a brilliant family event, it's a great day out in general for people, it's a very friendly atmosphere.

"It's a unique experience for us. Whenever someone new comes in, one of the things I always try and say to them is 'Soak that in'.

"The amount of money that's been raised over the years is insane, it's all down to the public".

Soccer Aid has raised over £38 million for UNICEF UK since it launched in 2006.

The Line of Duty star confessed he's sometimes nervous when he walks out in the stadium but he finds himself embracing every moment the second the game kicks off.

He said: "The hard thing is going 'Oh my God, that's Joe Cole,' that's what's scary! In terms of the crowd, you switch off when the game starts."

Soccer Aid has also seen a huge increase in promoting diversity with the likes of Alex Brooker taking to the pitch, while female stars including Chelcee Grimes have also played.

Martin gushed: "Seeing him (Alex) on the pitch for disabled kids everywhere, it's a wonderful thing.

"Alex can play, he gets stuck in and uses that leg if he catches you with it. He's been a huge signing for Soccer Aid. Everyone just adores him, he's a great person to be around.

"Seeing him running around and getting on the ball has been one of the most uplifting things since I've been here."

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 takes place on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge, London. Buy your tickets at socceraid.org.uk/tickets

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