Martin Compston feels like James Bond in new action-packed role
Opening up about his new role in the second series of ITV thriller Red Eye, actor Martin Compston said he felt like “James Bond” in its action-packed fight scenes.
Martin Compston is joining the cast of the second series of ITV thriller Red Eye – and says he feels like “James Bond” in its action-packed fight scenes.
The actor, 41, best known for his role as DI Steve Arnott in the BBC’s Line of Duty, will play Clay Brody, the head of embassy security, in the six-episode second run of the show, written by Peter A. Dowling and produced by Bad Wolf.
Martin told The Sun: “I’m delighted to be joining the Red Eye team. Hoping to build on the massive success of the first series and give viewers another thrilling ride.”
The actor also likened his approach and enjoyment of the fight scenes to that of a spy.
He added: “I live for all that, getting a bump on the head, getting up and getting on with it.
“There’s something between action and cut – you can completely switch off and believe it in that moment. So you can be James Bond, you can be the ultimate spy.”
Martin also admitted he does not match a conventional action-hero physique.
He said: “People probably would look at me in real life and go, ‘He’s not ex-SAS’, you know?’”
Martin also said he grew up a fan of Harrison Ford, adding: “He can do these incredible stunts and it’s awe-inspiring.”
Describing his fight sequences in Red Eye as “raw and brutal”, Martin revealed he ended up with a black eye after sparring with director Kieron Hawkes.
In the new series, his character teams up with Hana Li to solve a conspiracy, but their working relationship is tense.
Scotland-born Martin’s career began after he was cast in Ken Loach’s Sweet Sixteen while still a teenager.
The film launched him into British cinema, leading to roles in Monarch of the Glen, The Disappearance of Alice Creed and a wide range of independent features.
He became a household name as DI Steve Arnott in the BBC’s Line of Duty, one of the UK’s most-watched dramas.
Martin has since worked across film and television in the UK and US, including in Mary Queen of Scots, The Nest and In Plain Sight.
