Martin Compston has confirmed the future of Line of Duty following three years of speculation.
The hit crime drama which sees Scottish Martin, 39, play Anti-Corruption Unit Detective Inspector Steve Arnott alongside Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar has become a firm fan favourite since it first aired in 2012 when viewers saw the dynamic trio outing bent coppers in the force. But three years after the latest episode aired, the future of the show remained in doubt.
The finale episode of series six ended on May 2, 2021, averaging around 15.39 million viewers after popularity spiked during the coronavirus lockdown. But Martin, who is returning to Soccer Aid later this year has opened up about reprising his role on the popular show.
Speaking exclusively 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."
Reflecting on 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."
But Martin admits it'll be "difficult" getting himself prepared for the big day on June 9 as he'll be busy filming before taking to the pitch. Due to complex insurance for actors, Martin will not be allowed to engage in any contact sports while on the job. "Maybe a week before I'll get a ball out," he revealed. He went on to add: "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."
However, Martin admits that you can train "too hard", which resulted in him once 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 star 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. "The pros are fantastic, they're really encouraging," he gushed, adding: "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 admitted that he and his fellow celebrity players, as well as footballing legends, do take the game seriously, as though they're playing in the Champions League. "I would have loved to have played with Zidane," he said after the French legend played in the 2010 match at Old Trafford. He added: "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," he said of his dream players.
This year, Soccer Aid is still affordable for people during the ongoing cost of living crisis which Martin admits is a significant part of his reason for signing up. "It is a brilliant family event, it's a great day out in general for people, it's a very friendly atmosphere," he stated. He added: "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," Martin gushed. Soccer Aid has raised over an eyewatering £38 million for UNICEF UK since it kicked off in 2006. Martin admits he's often nervous when he walks out into the stadium but the second the game kicks off, he finds himself embracing every moment.
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.
"Seeing him (Alex) on the pitch for disabled kids everywhere, it's a wonderful thing," Martin commented, before adding: "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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