Kelly on joining Line Of Duty: I feel like I’m the new James Bond
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Few shows whip their fans into a frenzy like Line Of Duty. Ted Hastings’ catchphrases – “Mother of God!” – Jed Mercurio’s twist-heavy writing, and the impressively high calibre of guest stars are just a few elements that make the police drama stand out.
Kelly Macdonald plays Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Davidson, a senior investigating officer on an unsolved murder case, in the eagerly anticipated sixth series. Her suspicious conduct attracts the attention of Anti-Corruption and, as AC-12 uncover deeper and darker information, DCI Davidson could turn out to be their most dangerous adversary yet.
The Trainspotting and Boardwalk Empire star admitted to first-day nerves as the new girl on the set.
“I was extremely nervous to become involved in the project,” she says. “The guest lead status does feel pretty momentous. It was a bit like being the new James Bond! So, it’s very flattering, and also exciting and nerve-racking.”
Meanwhile, we know there’s a fourth and final H (the codename for a network of corrupt police) yet to be identified within the Central Police.
The cast members are careful not to give away spoilers but Vicky McClure (DI Kate Fleming) says: “What we can safely say is that we’re all facing consequences from series five. Kate’s always had a slightly tricky personal life, very dedicated to the job – and remains so.”
Martin Compston (DS Steve Arnott) gives a little more away about the drama to come. “The relationship between all the characters is a bit strained after everything they’ve been through – and Steve is struggling with his back,” reveals the 36-year-old from Greenock.
“He’s getting more and more problems with painkillers. There’s some darker stuff for him. He’s got this image in his head that he’s like Super Cop and he doesn’t want to give that image away, so he’s coming to a breaking point.
“There are some brilliant scenes in there so I was really excited reading it, and hopefully did the material justice.”
Martin reflects on what was “heartbreaking” about returning to film Line Of Duty in Belfast, after the first lockdown last spring.
“There’s a wee lovely restaurant below the place we used to stay and you can see a lovely couple who ran the place was packing up, shutting down,” he says.
“It’s the same back home in Greenock. People’s livelihoods have been decimated by this, and they’re gonna be living with repercussions. So, it really made you appreciate the fact that we can get back to work, and you don’t take it for granted.”
Line Of Duty, BBC1, tonight, 9pm