Martin Compston discloses he auditioned to play Thomas Shelby in ‘Peaky Blinders’

Martin Compston has confessed that he auditioned for Peaky Blinders before being passed up for a show star. The Line of Duty actor said that he tried out for a prominent part in the Brummie crime drama.

Compston, 38, who is now appearing in the BBC thriller Mayflies, claimed he knew Cillian Murphy would win. But when he found out who he was up against, the Greenock native realised he was not going to get the part. Compston tried out for the part of criminal boss Thomas Shelby. But when his agency informed him that Murphy, 46, was auditioning, the Scots star realised he would not be able to don the iconic Peaky Blinders flat hats. He disclosed the audition on his Restless Natives podcast and laughed about his inability to pull off a Birmingham accent.

Compston eventually found himself on the right side of the law, gaining a position in Line of Duty as TV's favourite anti-corruption officer DI Steve Arnott.




Fans of the program were informed earlier this month that the hit cop show would make a surprise return.

Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure, and Compston are among the cast members for the three-part BBC1 special. And it is expected to offer the dramatic climax that fans were denied in the last season. When three new episodes of the smash-hit cop drama air next year, fans will be hoping that twisted copper H is finally uncovered.

FAQs:

1. In Line of Duty, does Martin Compston have a Scottish accent?
   In 'Line of Duty,' Martin Compston plays DS Steve Arnott with an English accent.
2. Where was Martin Compston raised?
   Compston, the younger of two sons, was raised in Greenock, Scotland, and attended St Columba's High School in neighbouring Gourock.