Line Of Duty star Martin Compston teases new series of BBC cop show as he admits he’d ‘like to pull his waistcoat out again’
Line of Duty star Martin Compston has hinted at a potential return to the hit BBC police drama, revealing he’d “like to pull his waistcoat out again.”
The Scottish actor, 40, made the comments in a new interview with The Times when asked about the possibility of reprising his role as Detective Inspector Steve Arnott.
Compston couldn’t help but tease expectant fans by revealing: “I’d like to pull my waistcoat out again. I like a waistcoat but I can’t wear them now; it’s like putting on Steve’s character.”
However, he warned: “As soon as there’s some news we’ll let you know, but right now there’s nothing there”.
Despite the warning, the actor has also expressed his appreciation for fans’ continued interest in the series.
“I love that people ask and the love that people have. When people stop asking about it it’ll be a sad day,” he told host Chris Moyles.
While cautioning against giving “false hope,” Compston remained optimistic about the show’s future.
“I’m hopeful and sure we’ll get to it at some point, but honestly once we’re going to do it you’ll hear it from us first. We’d be delighted to tell people!” he said.
Adrian Dunbar, who plays Superintendent Ted Hastings, appeared to confirm the show’s return during a recent Virgin Radio UK interview.
The 66-year-old actor revealed that creator Jed Mercurio is actively working on new material.
“He is writing… We haven’t got a script on the desk yet. We know that Dr. Mercurio is out there doing something,” Dunbar told host Ryan Tubridy.
Dunbar even teased new dialogue for his character, saying: “Don’t stall the digger… That’s going in the next season.”
In November, the show’s stars reportedly met to discuss plans for a potential seventh series.
Compston, Dunbar and co-star Vicky McClure joined creator Jed Mercurio for dinner, where they discussed aligning their schedules for 2025.
According to The Sun, while the quartet often meets socially, this gathering was different.
“A topic of conversation was how they could align their schedules in 2025 to ensure Line of Duty 7 happens. The ambition is filming could start next year, with it on screens by early 2026,” a source told the publication.
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Line of Duty last aired in 2021 after almost a decade on screens, with fans eagerly awaiting its return since.
The main cast’s busy schedules have been a key obstacle to the show’s revival, with all three stars currently committed to other projects.
“I just don’t know. I’m busy next year. Vicky’s ridiculously busy, so’s Adrian. If there’s a story Jed wants to tell, he’ll come to us.,” Compston told The Times.