Line of Duty star Martin Compston backs independence hours before season six finale

Line of Duty star Martin Compston has thrown his support behind independence hours before the season six finale of the hit crime show.

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The Greenock-born actor, who stars as Steve Arnott in the BBC drama, made the plea in an online rally, which aired shortly before millions of viewers tuned in to watch the highly anticipated last episode of this season.

At the event Compston was joined by other high-profile SNP supporters, including actors Alan Cumming and Brian Cox, crime writer Val McDermid and Mogwai musician Stuart Braithwaite.

Martin Compston as DS Steve Arnott in the BBC's hit drama 'The Line of Duty'.

Ahead of the Scottish Parliament election on Thursday, the actor told voters: “Scotland’s future is in your hands. Don’t leave it to chance.

“The only way to make sure we re-elect Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister is to make it #BothVotesSNP.

“Make sure you and all your pals get out to vote.”

Compston added: “I think even people who don’t like Nicola Sturgeon, for whatever reason, have had to admit that she has been by far the most competent leader on these islands dealing with this crisis.

“And she’s the one I think is best placed to take us forward getting out of it.

“I do really think that we are in a situation now where we need the best people, the most competent people, in charge of Scotland. To make sure that we come out of this a better place than we went in.”

Compston, who lives in the US with his American wife, continued: “Everyone is allowed an opinion. Whether that be politicians down south or some lovely incredible entertainers who have moved abroad for whatever reason.”

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