Martin Compston's World Cup Demand for Line of Duty

Martin Compston, known for his role as DS Steve Arnott in the popular BBC drama Line of Duty, has shared his non-negotiable condition for the show's anticipated seventh series. He has explicitly told show bosses that filming must not conflict with Scotland's football team playing in the World Cup. Compston, a passionate football fan, emphasized his long wait to see his country compete on the global stage and vowed not to miss it, even stating he would accept being written out of the show if necessary.

The Scottish actor also commented on the hiatus between series, suggesting that a period of distance is beneficial. This break allows writer Jed Mercurio time to craft compelling storylines, ensuring the beloved procedural returns with a strong narrative. Compston described the scripts for the new series as brilliant, sparking significant excitement among the cast to get back to filming.

Filming for the new six-part series is slated to begin in the spring, likely in Belfast, with the show potentially airing by the end of 2026. The upcoming season will introduce a new antagonist, DI Dominic Gough, though the actor portraying him remains unannounced. This new series follows a previous season that concluded with the revelation of DSU Ian Buckells as the elusive 'H'.