Martin Compston Opens Up About Fear, Parenting, and Line of Duty – Plus What’s Next for His Career.
Martin Compston is no stranger to emotionally intense roles, and his latest performance in Fear, an Amazon Prime Video thriller, is no exception.
Playing Martyn, a father whose life unravels after a horrifying accusation, Compston takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of parental anguish and moral dilemmas.
In a recent interview with Metro, the Line of Duty star reflects on the emotional toll the role took on him, his thoughts on a potential Line of Duty return, and his upcoming projects.
The Emotional Toll of Fear: Martin Compston's Raw Performance
In Fear, Compston portrays Martyn, a man hoping for a fresh start in Glasgow with his wife Rebecca (Anjli Mohindra). However, their lives are turned upside down when a neighbor accuses them of a crime that every parent dreads. The three-part psychological drama dives deep into the darkest fears and challenges parents can face, and Compston certainly felt the weight of the material.
Reflecting on the intensity of filming, Compston shared, "My last scenes were emotional, and I was like, I have nothing left, I really have nothing left." He admits to feeling emotionally spent after one particular take. "At first, I got really upset with myself and went back to my trailer and went 'I f***ed that up.' But then I realized it was because I had nothing left. I had given it everything I had. I had rung every last little emotion out."
After hours of shooting, Compston found it difficult to access the right emotions for his final take. Despite his initial self-doubt, he later felt proud of the final product, acknowledging, “I’m really proud of that scene now when it comes together.”
Parent-Actor Connection: How Fatherhood Influenced His Role
Compston’s real-life experience as a parent added another layer of authenticity to his portrayal of Martyn. "Being a parent helped as you can sympathize with the situation," Compston explained. "You can imagine if it happened to you: I was thinking I could have done similar things to [Martyn], but you don’t know until you’re in that situation."
The father of one also noted how easy it is for people to underestimate how quickly things can spiral when extreme circumstances are thrown into the mix: "If you’re throwing the grenades that are being thrown here, it’s easy to see how things could spiral."
Behind the Scenes in Scotland: A Lighter Side to Filming Fear
While Fear explores heavy and disturbing themes, filming in Scotland gave Compston and the cast moments of levity. The actor, who hails from the country, took on the role of “tour guide” for the crew during their downtime. He and his Line of Duty co-star Vicky McClure, who was in town hosting her daytime clubbing event Day Fever, showed the cast a different side of Scotland’s nightlife.
Compston described the experience as “wonderful,” providing a stark contrast to the emotionally charged nature of the show. This balance of intensity and fun seemed to help the cast unwind during the filming process.
Line of Duty Fans: No New Season for Now
As fans of Line of Duty continue to speculate about a potential season 7, Compston set the record straight during the interview. Despite recent comments from Line of Duty star Christina Chong, who hinted at a return to the show, Compston confirms that there are no immediate plans for another season.
"Nothing’s happening," Compston said firmly. "I’m about to start my new ITV job, which is going to take up most of my year. I think Vicky’s doing Trigger Point back to back. So, unfortunately, there’s nothing happening for a long time."
He also acknowledged the need to manage fan expectations, saying, “We’re all quite aware of not getting fans’ hopes up too much because every week there’s something about Line of Duty definitely coming back, and there’s nothing happening anytime soon.”
Is a Monarch of the Glen Reboot Possible?
While Line of Duty fans may have to wait, could another beloved show, Monarch of the Glen, make a return? Compston, who starred in the BBC drama, has fond memories of his time on the show but suggests that a reboot might not be the best idea.
"I had such a wonderful time, but I think it would probably be best left," he said thoughtfully.
While the show holds a special place in his heart, Compston’s pragmatic take reflects his belief that sometimes the magic of a series is better preserved in its original form, rather than attempting to revive it.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Martin Compston?
Though Line of Duty fans will have to wait for a potential future season, Compston is far from slowing down. With new projects on the horizon, including an ITV role that will take up most of his year, he remains a busy and in-demand actor.
His work on Fear and upcoming endeavors prove that Martin Compston is constantly challenging himself with complex roles and expanding his range in the industry. Fans can expect more gripping performances as he continues to carve out his path in film and television.
Final Thoughts
Martin Compston's journey through Fear is a testament to his dedication as an actor, and his candid reflections on the emotional toll of his craft make it clear just how deeply he invests in his roles. Whether he's navigating the intense drama of Fear or keeping Line of Duty fans on the edge of their seats, Compston’s career continues to evolve.
As he balances his personal life with his professional commitments, it’s clear that Compston’s future is as dynamic and unpredictable as the characters he portrays. Stay tuned for more from this talented actor.
