Line of Duty’s Craig Parkinson reveals he actually auditioned to play Steve Arnott

AC-12 could have looked very different in Line of Duty as Craig Parkinson has revealed he actually auditioned to play Steve Arnott, with the role eventually going to Martin Compston.

Craig ended up starring as shady Matthew ‘Dot’ Cottan until the bent copper’s death in series three, where he confirmed the conspiracy of ‘H’ on his way out.

The 45-year-old has continued to be a devoted supporter of the show and now hosts the Obsessed With… Line of Duty podcast on BBC Sounds, joined by celebrity superfans, of which there are many.

When one fan on Twitter asked if he ever imagined when he auditioned for Line of Duty, almost a decade later he’s be presenting an accompanying podcast about the thriller, Craig gave the follower more than they bargained for.

‘Bet you didn’t anticipate when you auditioned for a new crime show in 2011, you’d be doing a related podcast for it 10 years later…Loving it btw!’ they wrote.

‘Thanks. Nope. Especially when I actually auditioned to play Steve Arnott,’ Craig replied. IMAGINE.

As for Steve, he pulled a blinder during the latest instalment, taking out a deadly sniper with eagle-eye precision during one of Line of Duty’s most excruciating shootouts.

While millions grabbed the nearest cushion and watched through gritted teeth, Martin’s parents had a stellar review of the episode.

Following the instalment airing on Sunday night, Martin shared all with his followers.

‘The most important reviews are in from my parents. My maw “incredible son absolutely loved it” my Da “it had an interview scene and car crash ya prick”. keeps ye humble,’ he tweeted alongside two cry-laughing emojis.

Ahead of the fifth episode in series six, new photos confirm the return of Anna Maxwell Martin as the chilling Detective Chief Superintendent Patricia Carmichael this Sunday.

Line of duty airs Sundays at 9pm on BBC One.

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