Connect with us

Entertainment

Vigil episode 1: Line of Duty fans in shock following Martin Compston twist

Vigil viewers couldn’t believe what they were seeing during the first episode (Picture: BBC)

*Warning: Contains major spoilers for Vigil episode one*

There was a familiar face among the cast of new BBC drama Vigil from the creators of Line of Duty, with Martin Compston making an appearance on our screens on Sunday evening. 

However, it wasn’t long before his character suffered a shocking fate.

In scenes that completely took viewers by surprise, Martin’s character Craig Burke – a crew member on the submarine HMS Vigil – died after suffering a supposed drug overdose in the opening five minutes. 

While it was ruled that Craig died after snorting heroin, Suranne Jones’ character DCI Silva is determined to discover the real truth.

Martin, known for playing DI Steve Arnott in Line of Duty, is one of the biggest starts in the new series.

Viewers were left completely astonished by Craig’s death, voicing their disbelief online.

Taking to social media, fans voiced their shock and surprise at the early development. 

‘He can’t be dead already!’ one said.

‘Well that was a short role for Martin Compston,’ another quipped.

One viewer cried out in their tweet: ‘I swear to god, if you’ve killed off my man I will not be happy!!!’

What? they have just killed off Martin’s character within 10 minutes of the first ep! #Vigil @bestoflod pic.twitter.com/oZOmcB6K01

— Matthew Chapman (@Matt528chap) August 29, 2021

Nice short role for Martin Comptson. #Vigil

— Rich Laverty (@RichJLaverty) August 29, 2021

Did @martin_compston just die in the first 10 mins 😱😱😱😱 #Vigil

— 𝐋𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐬 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@lewisa95) August 29, 2021

Wait did they just kill off Martin Compston in the first 10 minutes? #Vigil

— Lianne Warnell. #OperationHercules (@lwarne11) August 29, 2021

I swear to god, if you’ve killed off my man I will not be happy!!! #Vigil

— Chan (@vamplacey) August 29, 2021

NAH HES DEAD ALREADY.#Vigil

— fayevclore (@fayevclore) August 29, 2021

bbc already said death five mins in okay #vigil

— Brooke//Cade (he/they) (@devotedtoathena) August 29, 2021

Well that was a short role for Martin Compston x #Vigil

— Erin (@_erinz_) August 29, 2021

After all that and he dies in the first episode #Vigil

— Garry Halsey (@GarryHalsey) August 29, 2021

He can’t be dead already! #Vigil

— Linda Sullivan (@LindaSu77744658) August 29, 2021

It’s now up to DCI Silva to discover what really happened to Martin’s character, after heading down into the submarine herself to investigate. 

We have so many questions after the first episode, with so much to be uncovered in the forthcoming five episodes. 

More: Martin Compston

Suranne and Martin are joined in the cast by the likes of Game of Thrones’ Rose Leslie, who stars as DCI Silva’s partner and fellow copper Kirsten Longacre. 

Paterson Joseph of Peep Show also plays submarine commander Newsome alongside Lauren Lyle, Adam James and Stephen Dillane.

Vigil continues on Monday at 9pm on BBC One.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.


MORE : Outlander star Lauren Lyle teases her ‘quietly dangerous’ Vigil character Jade – and ditching Marsali’s corsets


MORE : Vigil: When does the series start on BBC One and who is in the cast?