Martin Compston explains why his Line of Duty character is an 'unlikely sex symbol'

The chat show host explained a lot of fans fancy Detective Inspector Steve Arnott, a role the Scot has played since 2012. 

Greenock-born Compston, 36, and his Line of Duty co-star Vicky McClure, 37, appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show last night ahead of the finale of the hit cop drama tonight. 

According to the Scottish Sun, Jonathan said: “Don’t take this the wrong way - but you’re an unlikely sex symbol.”

Compston replied: “Unlikely?”

Jonathan continued: “It’s not you, Martin - it’s Steve Arnott. And I think that is somewhat unlikely. You must be somewhat aware of the attraction he exudes.”

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Martin added: "He’s had a few dalliances over the series, a lot of them sort of crossing the line with what he should and shouldn’t be doing.

“But I think the beard’s gone down well this year - because without the beard I look about 12.

“Throw in the beard and throw in the waistcoat - and anybody looks cool with a gun and a bulletproof vest on.”

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The Scottish actor also chatted about how much he loves playing the character.

He said: “I do love playing him because he is sort of unlikeable, but he’s so obsessed with his job and doing the right thing.

“You delve into their backstories and they’re a mess - but they’ve got to be the white knights, they’re the ones who stand against corruption.”

Line Of Duty airs on BBC One at 9pm tonight.