Martin Compston's 'most emotionally challenging job' revealed

Martin Compston's upcoming drama 'Mayflies' was the "most emotionally challenging job" of his career so far.

The 38-year-old actor - who is known for his role as Detective Inspector Steve Arnott in the hit BBC One drama 'Line of Duty' - stars as Jimmy in the new adaptation of the Andrew O'Hagan novel and the role really affected him.

He teased: "It’s a drama based around relationships and friendships. The main characters are two old friends who have been best pals for decades and one of them gets life-changing news. He plans to act on that news and enlists the help of his best friend."

He added to RadioTimes.com: "It’s set across two timelines and is by far the most emotionally challenging job I’ve ever done."

‘Outlaw King’ actor Tony Curran and ‘Extras’ star Ashley Jensen portray Tully and Anna, respectively.

The story follows Jimmy (Compston) and Tully (Curran) as they ignite a friendship over their love of arts, but their longstanding friendship will be put to the test after the pair receive some devastating news.

Screenwriter Andrea Gibb said: "Adapting Andrew O’Hagan’s magnificent novel has been one of the highlights of my career. Andrew tells his story of enduring male friendship with love, truth, tenderness, and searing humanity. There’s not an ounce of sentimentality. It’s very funny and deeply moving. The characters of Tully and Jimmy are instantly recognisable and totally unforgettable. Both are so alive and vibrant that they leap off the page. It’s been a joy and a privilege living with them.”

Filming for the two-part drama began in Martin's native Scotland in Autumn.

'Mayflies' airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 9pm on December 28 and 29.