He opened up about the hit drama’s return after four years, revealing that the scripts won’t be giving in to a ‘depressing’ TV trend
Line of Duty’s Martin Compston has let slip details about the scripts for the BBC hit’s upcoming series – and how the drama won’t be following a ‘depressing’ trend that’s emerged in TV.
Last month, the BBC confirmed that Line of Duty would be back on our screens, with Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston reprising their roles.
Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine this week, Martin teased the upcoming series, revealing that filming was set to begin filming in Belfast soon. “Belfast definitely became our home. I really think it’s important we go back there,” he said. “Just getting back to together with the band.
READ MORE: Line of Duty return confirmed as BBC announces series 7 to be filmed in BelfastREAD MORE: The ‘best British crime drama series of all time’ is streaming now on BBC iPlayer
“We always knew we would do one at some point but the great thing about the show is it’s a big success. Vicky’s done four series of Trigger Point in between, we’ve all been busy. We got to the point where we said, ‘Let’s all clear our schedules, let’s all get together.’ Jed’s just finished his big Netflix show so yeah, it’s exciting.”
Martin went on to reveal that Line of Duty’s new scripts won’t be dumbed down for viewers who are second-screening – where they are watching TV while also on their phone or laptop. “Well, especially these things now, everybody’s on their phones,” he said.
“With Line of Duty, you can’t do that. You need to pay attention. I don’t think we’re going to start allowing for that because there is quite a sad thing now as an actor, where scripts go, ‘You need to allow for somebody not paying attention.’
“So you have to repeat certain lines all the time. That’s the way the world is going, it’s quite depressing.”
He continued: “People’s attention spans are going down so they have to factor that in and it’s quite depressing when you’re reading something and you’re thinking, ‘I’ve said this name five times,’ and they go, ‘Well you need to.’ But I’m hoping we’re at a level where we don’t need to legislate for that.”
The new BBC series will see Ted Hastings, Kate Fleming and Steve Arnott reunite after the fictional police anti-corruption unit AC-12 was rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. The trio tackle their most sensitive case yet when charismatic officer Dominic Gough is accused of abusing his position of trust to act as a sexual predator.
Creator Jed Mercurio said when the show’s return was announced: “Everyone involved in Line of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show’s fans. We’re privileged to have had so many of you follow the ups and downs of AC-12 over six previous seasons and we couldn’t be more delighted to be returning for a seventh.
“Corruption in this country is supposed to have come to an end while Line of Duty was off air so I’ve been forced to use my imagination.”
While Vicky said at the time: “It goes without saying I’m so excited Line of Duty is back – can’t wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we’ll see you soon!”
Adrian added: “As we count down the AC12 days of Christmas what a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together next year. Delighted with the news and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns.
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