Line of Duty star Martin Compston has shared how he’s getting into shape, ahead of the show’s upcoming season. Last year, it was announced that the BBC police drama would be returning for a seventh instalment, following its record-breaking finale in 2021.
Compston will be reprising his role as DI Steve Arnott, alongside Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, who play fellow coppers Kate Fleming and Ted Hastings.
And with filming set to begin this spring, the actor has already started a gruelling diet to fit back into his iconic waistcoat.
Speaking about his prep, Compston told The Times: “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.
“Yesterday she made chicken wings, asparagus, cabbage and a miso sauce for lunch, which all helps me fit nicely into my Steve Arnott waistcoat.”
BBC
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Speaking previously with Digital Spy, Compston revealed his excitement at embodying the detective again, and highlighted the importance of Steve’s signature outfit.
“I do like my waistcoats,” he said, adding: “That and I just like Belfast, it’s a great city to film in and [me, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar are] genuinely, really close pals… So getting to spend proper time with them again is a joy but yeah, when you pull that waistcoat on in the morning, do that accent. Yeah, I can feel him creeping into me.”
BBC
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Season 7 will see AC-12 disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. The trio are faced with their most sensitive case to date when a fellow officer is accused of serious misconduct.
“Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer winning plaudits for a string of takedowns of organised crime, is accused of abusing his position of trust to act as a sexual predator,” reads the synopsis.
“But is Gough’s case a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows?”
Line of Duty season 7 begins filming in Belfast in spring 2026. A release date has not yet been announced. Seasons 1-6 are available on BBC iPlayer.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a “telly addict” since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information. Â