BBC One's Line of Duty is a staple in television history and wouldn't be complete without AC-12's iconic trio - Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar), DI Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure), and our very own DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston).
However, as reported by Radio Times, it turns out that Scottish lad Martin almost turned down the famed role of Steve Arnott. Fellow star Craig Parkinson, who played Matthew 'Dot' Cottan on the show, revealed in an Instagram post celebrating the anniversary of the show that Martin had cold feet at first.
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Marking a decade since the show began, Craig shared that he was asked to audition for the role of Steve Arnott at the time, and persuaded Martin to come try out for the role too. Craig said: "For a man of great taste, he needed a nudge. I told him he had to meet on this as I'd just read the greatest first two episodes of a new series I had ever read.
Myself and Martin had our auditions within minutes of each other and met prior to run our lines with each other. It was the very next day I received a call saying that the role of Steve was being offered to another actor. I asked who it was. They told me, 'Martin Compston'.
"I was in the bath at the time, I remember that. I also remember that I was genuinely made up for my mate. They then asked how I felt about playing a role called Matthew 'Dot' Cottan. Little did I know."
Craig also stated that Line of Duty ended up changing the lives of everyone who appeared on the show, and thanked the audience for sticking around. He added: "At the start we were a word of mouth hit. After that? Well..."
The BBC crime drama, all about "nicking bent coppers", first aired back in 2012 on BBC Two. It followed the path of DS Steve Arnott who was transferred to the Anti-Corruption unit, to be partnered with DI Kate Fleming, and work under boss Ted Hastings.
The show moved to BBC One and has been a smash hit since, and there are clamours for yet another season to be released.
However, only time will tell. Line of Duty is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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