Massive TV drama’s return in chaos as rival channel makes big money play for its leading star
LINE Of Duty’s return could be pushed back to Easter next year after leading man Martin Compston got the chance to crack America.
He has signed up for the sequel to Prime Video’s thriller The Rig in a big-money deal.
It was a huge hit around the globe, especially in the US where the actor already has a family home.
But the role requires Martin to film through the summer, pre-venting him from making Line Of Duty until October, which would scupper BBC1’s plans to screen it over Christmas.
A TV insider said: “The Rig was a massive success for Prime Video, second only to Lord Of The Rings in terms of the millions who watched it around the world.
“Crucially, the show seemed to find a vast audience in the States, which provides Martin with the chance to raise his profile on the other side of the Atlantic and potentially carve out a career over there.
“It would also benefit him personally as he already has a house in the US with his American wife, Tianna Flynn, and their three-year-old son.”
The Sun exclusively revealed in December the Beeb was ready to make a series of Line Of Duty special episodes featuring Martin with co-stars Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar.
But since then The Rig hit our screens, featuring several other LoD actors.
Prime Video immediately ordered a second series after it became one of the streaming services most-watched scripted shows in the UK.
Martin’s busy diary has always been one of the biggest hurdles for another outing of the police drama, with Vicky recently saying: “I speak to the lads all the time and we’d all love to, we’re all game.
“I think it’s just a case of now . . . Martin, I think he’s in about nine shows or something. He’s busy, so I’m sure we’ll get there.”
I just wish they would get there a little quicker, but I am pleased for Martin.