Martin Compston's Strict Diet Regimen for Line of Duty Return
Martin Compston has disclosed that his wife, Tianna, has enforced a rigorous "no sugar" dietary plan to ensure he fits into his iconic waistcoats for the seventh series of Line of Duty. The actor, aged 41, will reprise his role as DI Steve Arnott alongside co-stars Vicky McClure as Kate Flemming and Adrian Dunbar as Ted Hastings.
Returning Cast and Plot Developments
Chief Constable Philip Osborne, portrayed by Owen Teale, is also set to return, maintaining his status as a sworn adversary to both DI Arnott and Superintendent Ted Hastings. The drama, which premiered in 2012 and consistently attracts over 10 million viewers, will resume filming in the spring.
In preparation, Compston has adopted the Whole30 organic diet, eliminating all sugar from his meals. He explained to The Times: "I'm filming series seven of Line of Duty in the spring, and before I start a new project I do this thing called the Whole30 organic diet, orchestrated by my wife, who, unlike me, is a phenomenal cook, where you totally cut out sugar."
He added: "Yesterday she made chicken wings, asparagus, cabbage and a miso sauce for lunch, which all helps me fit nicely into my Steve Arnott waistcoat."
Series Seven Storyline and Fan Expectations
The seventh series will continue the narrative from where it concluded, with the AC-12 team pursuing the elusive 'H'. This development follows the controversial finale of series six in 2021, where Det Supt Ian Buckells (Nigel Boyle) was revealed as 'H', the shadowy criminal mastermind behind police corruption.
Creator Jed Mercurio is reportedly committed to delivering what fans desire by revisiting this storyline. Alongside the hunt for 'H', the series will feature an investigation into new character Det Insp Dominic Gough, an officer accused of exploiting his position as a sexual predator despite previous successes against organised crime.
A television insider told The Sun: "There was genuine anger about the way series six ended and that was part of the reason that a seventh outing was ordered. But this is the first time that there's been any news on whether they'll bring back the 'H' storyline - and devotees will be thrilled to hear Jed will be giving them just what they want."
The insider further noted that while a new villain will be introduced, as is customary for each series, their storyline will likely intertwine with that of 'H', creating a dramatic dual narrative.
Production Details and Cast Reactions
The six-part series will follow the agents of AC-12 after the unit has been disbanded and rebranded. In an official statement, writer Jed Mercurio expressed: "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."
He humorously added: "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."
Martin Compston described his role in the police drama as "a job of a lifetime", stating: "Not only in terms of the show's success but the people I've had the opportunity to work with I now call some of my closest friends. I can't wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together."
Vicky McClure, star of Trigger Point, shared her excitement: "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!"
Compston further elaborated on the decision to return during an interview on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show: "Last year we got to the point where we said, 'All right, let's clear the decks for next year'. We chat every, like, if not every other day, like every other week, at least, we're genuinely close pals. Jed went for a curry as soon as I got here the other night. We kind of just said, 'Look, is it getting close to that time?' It's sort of, we're all getting on, you know, but, just in terms of the distance from it, we're kind of like, 'It's now or never.'"
He emphasised the importance of timing: "It was getting to the point, if you leave it too long between it. I mean, it is great to leave the distance because it gives Jed time to write it and come up with a proper storyline..." Regarding the new scripts, he praised: "I mean, it's fantastic… already it's a proper page turner. You've got to come from a solid base rather than just commission it. But the scripts are brilliant and we're all excited to get back."
