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STAR’S TRIBUTE TO AWARDS FINALISTS
Chanel Flynn when the couple tied the knot at Mar Hall last year. Samuel Bell, our first-ever Little Hero winner, has a rare bowel condition and set up Samuel’s Smiles in 2014 to help raise money for children with rare diseases. He met Martin 13 years ago at the event and the actor became an ambassador for the teenager’s charity. Martin, 32, said: “Sam’s a great guy and we hit it off straight away. He’s defied the odds his whole life and I’m proud of what he’s achieved.” After getting his big break in Ken Loach’s iconic Sweet Sixteen, Martin swapped life as an apprentice footballer with Morton to go on and become one of the hottest TV and film properties. And he’s delighted Line of Duty will be returning to our screens for series five and six. He said: “The show gets better and better and I’m hoping to be part of it for as long as possible. “It keeps people on the edge of their seat because you never really know what’s going to happen next. I’m proud to be part of such a huge machine and the move to BBC1 has attracted a whole new audience.” Martin also admits getting into the mind of a serial killer to play Manuel was one of his most challenging roles. Manuel was convicted of killing seven people between 1956 and 1958 and is suspected of killing others. He was the last person to be hanged on Barlinnie’s gallows in 1958. Martin said: “I had to dig deep and go to a really dark place for that role. Manuel was a very complex character, he was pure evil. It’s one of the most technical performances I’ve given. Some of the stuff he did was so crazy and he thought he was more intelligent than everyone around him.” But when he returns to Inverclyde, the pals he grew up with and the family Martin adores make sure his feet are kept firmly on the ground.
He said: “I always head straight to Greenock. My mum and dad still stay in the same house I grew up in and I’ve still got my old room here.
“I’ve got a nephew now and he’s the golden boy of the family. It’s great catching up with everyone.”
Despite his ever-growing reputation, Martin has never forgotten his roots and his charity and fundraising work for Argdowan Hospice in Greenock, for who he is a proud patron, has helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for patients’ vital end-of-life care and support.
He said: “We’ve raised £50,000 over the last two years. We are already planning our next venture and it’s nice to give something back to such a worthy charity.”
Martin says he’ll have his tissues at the ready for the awards on Friday.
He added: “Some of the stories are heartbreaking and I know it will be emotional. I’m bringing my family along and it will be lovely to share such a special evening with them.”
The ceremony will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow Central, on Friday. For tickets and sponsorship, contact Debbie Caldwell on debbie.caldwell@trinitymirror. com or 0141 309 1475, or visit www.dailyrecordourheroes.co.uk