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Wales Online
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Line of Duty star gives fans update on new series but it won't be one they like
Line of Duty star gives fans update on new series but it won't be one they like Line of Duty star Martin Compston has said that a new series of the hit BBC police drama is still "a way off" as it is difficult to align his and his co-stars' schedules Martin Compston has said the hit show "Line of Duty' will not be making an appearance anytime soon (Image: BANG Showbiz ) Martin Compston has said that fans will have to wait a bit longer for another instalment of the hit series Line of Duty. While rumours have been circulating about a seventh season, the 40-year-old, who famously portrayed Detective Inspector Steve Arnott in the acclaimed BBC show, made it clear in an interview with The Sun newspaper's TVMag that lining up the busy schedules of himself and fellow stars Adrian Dunbar and Vicky McClure is challenging. Compston told The Sun newspaper's TVMag: "Everybody's got stuff going on at the minute, so I think anything, unfortunately, would be a way off." The star (right) has said he and his co stars will be "gutted" if a character is killed off on the show (Image: John Phillips, Getty Images ) The actor expressed his gratitude for the continued interest in the series saying: "You know, the day people stop asking about the show will be a sad day, so I'm delighted that people are still excited about it." For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter He also spoke of the cast's strong bond, mentioning their recent get-together: "We'd all love to work together again at some point. We still all meet up. Article continues below "I met with Jed [Mercurio, the show's creator], Adrian and Vicky in London before Christmas - we went out for dinner, to hear what everyone's up to." Compston didn't hide his enthusiasm about how gripping the police corruption drama's plotlines are for viewers. He said: "It's amazing. It's the best feeling as an actor when you feel like the whole country's in the palm of your hand with what's coming next, and there's only a couple of you in that secret of who's surviving and what's going on." Nonetheless, he emphasized that the show's return must be driven by quality, not just by its success. The Scottish star stated firmly that creator Jed Mercurio wouldn't push for more episodes without good reason: "But because we're all so close and we all want the best for the show, we wouldn't do it again just for the sake of it. "If it was just about doing it for the sake of it, we'd have probably done another three series by now. "We really care about the quality of it. So if we come back, it would be for the right reasons. "It won't just be: 'Get another one done.' It'll be because Jed thinks there's a story to tell." Martin has total trust in Jed's judgement regarding the future of the drama and is aware that he holds the cards when it comes to deciding on its return, but he shared that both he and his colleagues would feel "gutted" if any character were to be axed from the show. Article continues below He had previously stated: "I trust Jed implicitly and, if he decided it wasn't right for it to come back, then so be it. If he decided to kill any of us off, we'd be gutted. "We'd only do it for what's best for the show, and if that was his decision, then that would be it."
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Martin Compston: New Line of Duty is 'a way off'
Martin Compston has insisted another series of 'Line of Duty' is "a way off". The 40-year-old actor played Detective Inspector Steve Arnott on the hit BBC police drama from 2012 until 2021 and while it was recently reported a seventh season is in the pipeline, he admitted it isn't easy to align the schedules of himself and co-stars Adrian Dunbar and Vicky McClure. He told The Sun newspaper's TVMag: "Everybody's got stuff going on at the minute, so I think anything, unfortunately, would be a way off. "You know, the day people stop asking about the show will be a sad day, so I'm delighted that people are still excited about it. "We'd all love to work together again at some point. We still all meet up. "I met with Jed [Mercurio, the show's creator], Adrian and Vicky in London before Christmas - we went out for dinner, to hear what everyone's up to." Martin loves how hooked people get on the storylines from the police corruption drama. He said: 'It's amazing. It's the best feeling as an actor when you feel like the whole country's in the palm of your hand with what's coming next, and there's only a couple of you in that secret of who's surviving and what's going on." However, the Scottish actor insisted showrunner Jed won't just make new episodes to capitalise on its popularity as it would only return "for the right reasons". He said: "But because we're all so close and we all want the best for the show, we wouldn't do it again just for the sake of it. "If it was just about doing it for the sake of it, we'd have probably done another three series by now. "We really care about the quality of it. So if we come back, it would be for the right reasons. "It won't just be: 'Get another one done.' It'll be because Jed thinks there's a story to tell." Martin has complete confidence in Jed and knows that the writer will make the decision whether the drama makes a comeback, but admitted he and his co-stars would be "gutted" if he decided to kill any of them off. He previously said: "I trust Jed implicitly and, if he decided it wasn't right for it to come back, then so be it. If he decided to kill any of us off, we'd be gutted. "We'd only do it for what's best for the show, and if that was his decision, then that would be it."
Daily Mirror
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Martin Compston lifts the lid on BBC Line of Duty return as he issues telling statement
Line of Duty star Martin Compston has broken his silence on the hit BBC show's return after it was reported the show would be back for a seventh series earlier this year Line of Duty star Martin Compston has broken his silence following reports the hit BBC police drama show would be returning for a seventh season. Earlier this year, Christina Chong, who played DI Nicky Rogerson in series two and six of the BBC show let slip a possibility of a return at the Hollywood Saturn Awards. Asked about talk of a return, Christina, 41, said: 'So I have been asked about a season, is it seven? Yeah. Potentially Nicola Rogerson will be back for season seven.' Last year Adrian Dunbar, who plays Supt Ted Hastings, said writer Jed Mercurio was working on a new script. 'He is writing… we haven't got a script on the desk yet,' he said. Now, Martin, who plays Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott has had his say. 'We're always talking about possibilities and schedules and whatnot,' he told The Sun 's TV Mag. However, fans may be slightly disappointed, as he continued: 'Everybody's got stuff going on at the minute, so I think anything, unfortunately, would be a way off.' Martin is still close friends with show creator Jed Mercurio and co-stars Adrian Dunbar and Vicky McClure. He told the publication that the group met up over Christmas, as he added: 'Because we're all so close and we all want the best for the show, we wouldn't do it again just for the sake of it. 'If it was just about doing it for the sake of it, we'd have probably done another three series by now. We really care about the quality of it. So if we come back, it would be for the right reasons.' He then said if they did return, it would be because show creator Jed 'thinks there's a story to tell.' The explosive series six finale saw AC-12 unravel the secret identity of H or the Fourth Man as the seemingly bumbling officer Ian Buckles. However, some fans were left disappointed by the ending which also saw Jo Davidson gain witness protection where she lived happily ever after in a beautiful house with a new lover and a dog. Speaking on fan reaction to the finale, which drew in a record-breaking 12.8million viewers, Jed said: 'We're honoured and flattered by the viewing figures for #LineofDuty6. 'We knew attempting to explore the real nature of corruption in our society wouldn't appeal to everyone, but we do sincerely thank you all for watching. It's been our privilege to share your Sunday nights.'
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Line of Duty's Martin Compston breaks silence on hit BBC drama's return – insisting it will ‘be for the right reasons'
LINE of Duty's Martin Compston has broken his silence on the hit BBC drama's return - saying it will be 'for the right reasons'. The Sun exclusively revealed Line of Duty would be returning next year for a seventh series. 4 4 4 The six-parter will reportedly see Martin, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar all reprise their beloved roles for filming in January. When speaking to The Sun's TV Mag, the actor was grilled about rumours of the show making a comeback. Martin shared: 'We're always talking about possibilities and schedules and whatnot. "Everybody's got stuff going on at the minute, so I think anything, unfortunately, would be a way off. "You know, the day people stop asking about the show will be a sad day, so I'm delighted that people are still excited about it. "We'd all love to work together again at some point. We still all meet up. "I met with Jed [Mercurio, the show's creator], Adrian [Dunbar] and Vicky [McClure] in London before Christmas - we went out for dinner, to hear what everyone's up to." He added: 'It's amazing. It's the best feeling as an actor when you feel like the whole country's in the palm of your hand with what's coming next, and there's only a couple of you in that secret of who's surviving and what's going on. "But because we're all so close and we all want the best for the show, we wouldn't do it again just for the sake of it. "If it was just about doing it for the sake of it, we'd have probably done another three series by now. Line of Duty stars spark new episode rumours as they reunite for night out "We really care about the quality of it. So if we come back, it would be for the right reasons. "It won't just be: 'Get another one done.' It'll be because Jed thinks there's a story to tell." A TV insider previously told The Sun: 'This is the news Line of Duty fans have been waiting for since the sixth season left them deflated when it aired back in 2021. 'The BBC almost immediately requested more episodes to continue the story, but the success of the show meant Vicky, Martin and Adrian were instantly snapped up for other projects. 'But after several meetings with Jed [Mercurio, creator and writer] and the production team, they've finally managed to clear space in their calendars next year to commit to making the show.' The Sun first revealed in 2022 that the show, which drew up to 13million viewers, would return. BBC crime dramas The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer. Here's a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades. Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison. Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007. Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day. Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past. Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016. Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007. Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016. Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin. Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007. Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021. Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023. New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015. Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman 's war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017. Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day. The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001. Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011. Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he's tasked to investigate while Wallander's job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016. The stars have been attached to other projects - Martin with supernatural thriller The Rig, Vicky with bomb squad drama Trigger Point, and Adrian with jazz singer detective show Ridley. Many of the 13million who saw the sixth series felt it a huge anti-climax to learn buffoon Det Supt Ian Buckells (Nigel Boyle) was H, the elusive mastermind with links to organised crime. Fans had wondered if it was a genuine end after nine years of nail-biting storylines, or a red herring by creator Jed Mercurio. TV Mag is available for free every Saturday, only in The Sun. 4
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ant and Dec reveal how they really feel about Britain's Got Talent's huge format change as live semi-finals kick off
ANT and Dec have revealed their true feelings about Britain's GHot Talent's huge format shakeup ahead of tonight's live show. The ITV variety competition is airing its longest ever series in the history of the show, filling the gap once occupied by Saturday Night Takeaway. 10 Ant and Dec have shared their true feelings on Britain's Got Talent's huge shakeup Credit: Peter Jordan In addition, as the semi-finals of this year's Britain's Got Talent kick off, for the first time since the show launched in 2007, the heats will take place every Saturday evening rather than airing nightly across a single week – and hosts Ant and Dec reckon it'll take things up a level. 'I really think the live shows will be more spectacular than ever this year,' smiles Dec, 49. 'As they're now going out weekly, it will have a really positive impact for the acts because they'll be able to work on their performances.' Ahead of tonight's first live show – when the public vote will open – TV Mag spoke to each of the nine Golden Buzzer acts who the judges and hosts put straight through to the semis. But can Ant and Dec pick a favourite to claim that £250,000 prize and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance? 'We had this conversation in Blackpool [during the auditions] and both of us agreed that it's so hard to call this year,' says Dec. 'I think it will be somebody that will raise their game between their first audition and the final.' 'We can feel it in the auditions, but it's not until it goes out on TV that you really get a sense of who could win,' says Ant, 49. 'So it's up to the public.' 'We're always very proud of the acts that go on and achieve success,' adds Dec. Britain's Got Talent - Series 18 - Episode 8 - Amanda Golden Buzzer 'It's a testament to the show and to the British public who took time to vote for the acts, recognised their talent and propelled them to stardom.' 'I also don't necessarily think we hear about all the success stories,' says Ant. 'There's been so many British and international acts that broke on Britain's Got Talent and have then been exported around the world. "The show really does help them more than we think.' Olly Pearson 10 Amanda Holden hit her Golden Buzzer for guitarist Olly Credit: ITV Olly, who was taught to play the guitar during lockdown by his grandad, stunned the judges with his epic melody of rock anthems at Blackpool. And the 11 year old admits that he would never be parted from his instrument if he had it his way. 'When I play guitar, I never want to stop,' smiles Olly, who won Amanda's first Golden Buzzer. 'There are so many songs, riffs and sounds that a guitar can make. I am even starting to make my own music. If I could play guitar all day, every day, I would!' Olly is an AC/DC superfan and went to see the band at Wembley last year. 'I love their music, their unique sound and how the lead guitarist Angus Young commands the stage,' he says. 'His energy is amazing. I will never forget seeing 90,000 fans all singing and rocking out – what an awesome sound.' And the schoolboy, who kept his audition a secret from his pals until it was on telly, hopes to recreate something similar to the rock group in the live shows – and even for the monarch at the Royal Variety Performance if he wins. 'I would love to have the chance to show King Charles how cool rock music is, even though it is loud,' he says. 'Everybody needs rock on their playlist!' LINDA MUDZENDA 10 Linda Mudzenda left the crowd and judges stunned by her audition Credit: ITV Originally from Zimbabwe, Linda has lived in Britain for the past two years. But she has always been a huge fan of Britain's Got Talent, and when the opportunity came along to audition for the show she'd watched for years on YouTube, she knew she had to take it. 'I auditioned in 2024, but I didn't get through because I was so nervous I couldn't even sing,' Linda, 21, reveals to TV Mag. 'I tried again this year and it went really well.' That is an understatement. Linda almost moved guest judge KSI to tears, and Alesha pressed her Golden Buzzer. She has since been compared to the likes of Adele. 'It's amazing people are comparing me to her,' Linda beams. 'She is really good.' While all of her family and friends – especially her mum, who Linda is determined to buy anything she wants should she win the competition – are rightfully proud of her, Linda admits that the reaction of one person left her in bits. 'I'm a support worker and take care of children who were taken from their parents, or children who have experienced trauma,' she explains. 'When my episode came out, the next day at work this young person I care for was waiting for me on the doorstep. He said: 'Linda, I am proud of you. I called everyone. I told them this is my support worker.'' While she is busily preparing for the live shows, Linda still has to pinch herself that she got that Golden Buzzer. 'I have a piece of golden confetti that stays at the back of my phone,' she laughs. 'It's a source of confidence for me. I'm like: 'Oh, girl, you did it. You actually went and you did it.'' ELECTRIC UMBRELLA 10 Electric Umbrellas range from five to 66 years old Credit: ITV Made up of members ranging from five to 66 years old, this rock group (below) sparked joy with an original song called Acceptance. There wasn't a dry eye when Simon sent them straight through to the live shows. 'Electric Umbrella began with one simple but powerful idea: that learning-disabled people deserve vibrant, meaningful and creative lives filled with purpose, connection, and joy,' explains co-founder Mel Boda. 'For our members, being on that stage means the world. Many of them have spent their lives being underestimated or overlooked. This is a powerful moment of recognition. 'Every single piece of that golden confetti was validation – not just for the performance, but for the message behind it. We're thrilled to be able to share our mission with the nation.' STACEY LEADBEATTER 10 Stacey Leadbeatter was a nervous wreck before her audition Credit: ITV When supermarket worker Stacey, 29, walked on to the stage at Blackpool, it was clear that she was a nervous wreck. The mum of one has suffered from confidence issues all f her life, but she ended up blowing everyone away with her version of Run and secured a Golden Buzzer from KSI. 'I couldn't finish because I saw an elderly man crying while I was singing,' she reveals about her moving audition. 'I was bullied when I was younger due to my speech. I worked hard on my lisp but now it makes me unique. 'Going on stage was one of the scariest moments in my life. My legs turned to jelly. But my goal was to put a smile on Simon's face with my vocals and I am so proud. I'm really nervous to go live, but I can do this. I finally believe in myself.' VINNIE MCKEE 10 Vinnie Mckee hugged Simon Cowell after receiving his golden buzzer Credit: ITV It's not surprising that holiday park entertainer Vinnie looked emotional after his BGT audition, as he applied following the sudden death of his brother Frankie, 48, in May 2024. 'It was the worst time of our lives and my mum's still devastated to this day,' admits Vinnie, from Glasgow, who'd buy a retirement home for parents Ann and Joe if he wins. 'I feel like Britain's Got Talent has given her something to be excited about again.' Vinnie, 29, was stunned when Simon Cowell took to the stage after pressing the Golden Buzzer for him. 'He was so nice,' beams Vinnie. 'He made me look at the crowd and I couldn't believe it, everybody was on their feet screaming.' While he grew up listening to Whitney Houston and his mum's favourite, Shania Twain, Vinnie wanted to do something different for his first audition and struck gold by slowing down The Proclaimers' 1988 hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), which became a viral sensation. 'The most crazy part was that I overtook Lady Gaga and Beyoncé on the trending list on YouTube!' he laughs. 'A few celebrities have been posting me on their social media too.' It's all a world away from Vinnie's day job at Thurston Manor near Edinburgh, where he runs kids' clubs and does the bingo calling. 'When I started in the holiday parks, I really loved it,' he says. 'My dream was to be this singer who performs for people and gets them to listen to my own music, but the dream got further away over the years. Now there's a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm on cloud nine with how far I've got.' WILL BURNS 10 Funnyman Will Burns left the audience in fits of laughter Credit: ITV He's the self-confessed Britain's Got Talent superfan who had BGT-themed birthday parties and a BGT bedroom as a kid. Then Will's impressions prompted Ant and Dec – his heroes – to push their Golden Buzzer, a moment he still describes as 'out of body'. 'As a kid, I'd re-enact the show and the family would be the judges,' says Will, 25. 'It's one thing faffing around in your living room pretending to juggle lemons in front of your dad, but as I got older, I never felt like I had an act until I started doing stand-up. 'I have always done impersonations. Being such a fan of BGT and The X Factor, I was hearing that iconic Peter Dickson voice every week. It wasn't until the last year or so that I started merging the impressions and stand-up – it was a game changer.' So Will decided to follow his dream and audition at Blackpool. After telling jokes that poked fun at Alesha's laugh among other things, his place in the live shows was cemented. 'Amanda mouthed to me to put the confetti in my pocket so I took quite a lot home,' he reveals. 'I'm not actually kidding. I found some behind my sofa the other day!' Will has some brand-new impressions, which have been going down well with his mum! 'Doing it live on TV is quite the contrast,' he grins. 'But I have to say, it's less scary knowing you're doing it on your favourite show. It's been such a massive part of my life since I was seven, so knowing that it's Britain's Got Talent is a comfort blanket for me.' MAX FOX 10 Max was never supposed to audience for BGT Credit: ITV Theatrical singer Max, 35, wasn't even supposed to be auditioning when he won Amanda's second Golden Buzzer after belting out Frank Sinatra's My Way. 'I'm a fan of all of Simon's shows and when I was 12, I had a poster of [Pop Idol runner-up] Gareth Gates on my bedroom wall,' Max tells us. 'I've been applying for Simon's talent shows since I was 16. This year I went to support a friend who was auditioning, I was in the audience. Completely unplanned, something told me to shout out to Simon. Luckily, he turned around! 'My semi-final performance, without spoiling it… it's going to be big. I want to give people watching a real moment – something visually stunning and emotionally moving.' MAYA GIOTEA 10 Maya Giotea has watched the show since she was 12 years old Credit: ITV Theatrical singer Max, 35, wasn't even supposed to be auditioning when he won Amanda's second Golden Buzzer after belting out Frank Sinatra's My Way. 'I'm a fan of all of Simon's shows and when I was 12, I had a poster of [Pop Idol runner-up] Gareth Gates on my bedroom wall,' Max tells us. 'I've been applying for Simon's talent shows since I was 16. This year I went to support a friend who was auditioning, I was in the audience. Completely unplanned, something told me to shout out to Simon. Luckily, he turned around! 'My semi-final performance, without spoiling it… it's going to be big. I want to give people watching a real moment – something visually stunning and emotionally moving.' THE BLACKOUTS 10 The Blackouts have previously reached out the final of two other editions of the Got Talent franchise Credit: ITV We've seen dance troupes aplenty over the years on BGT, but the USP of this particular gang from Switzerland is of course that they perform everything in the dark, wearing nifty light-up suits. 'The Blackouts began back in 2014 at a gymnastics entertainment event in our hometown,' explains founder Jonas Schneider. 'It was just a fun idea for a single weekend show. I came up with the concept of performing in total darkness with LED suits. Together with three friends, we built our first suits by hand. We thought it would be a one-time performance, but the audience immediately started asking 'Can we book you for our event?' That moment made us realise we were onto something special.' Their stunning audition performance left all four of the judges reaching for the Golden Buzzer thanks to the inclusion of London landmarks and even a black cab, which was hand built for the show. But it hasn't always been so flawless… 'Performing in the dark feels a bit like flying a plane through fog,' laughs member Elias, Jonas' brother. 'You have to rely completely on your instruments and your crew. Of course, there's always a tiny chance something unexpected could happen, but we've become real pros at keeping calm and carrying on. And honestly, that's part of the fun and adrenaline of what we do!' They promise another riveting routine for their live semi finals, and one day hope to bring their act to the masses. 'One of our biggest wishes is to perform a full-length show in Britain, so that people from all over Britain can experience our performance live,' reveals Jonas. 'We'd even love to have a permanent show in Las Vegas. But most of all, we want to keep seeing the sparkle in the eyes of our audience. That's truly the biggest reward for us.' The Sun's TV Mag is available inside Saturday's newspaper
