Robert Lindsay quits ‘Line Of Duty’ after Two days.
My Family star Robert Lindsay has pulled out of BBC Two police corruption drama, ‘Line Of Duty’ after just two days on set, with the BBC citing “creative differences” as the reason.
The Sun reports, Lindsay’s role of Deputy Chief Constable Mike Drymen is to be taken over by Casualty star Mark Bonnar (pictured below), who will work alongside Spooks and Ashes To Ashes star Keeley Hawes as Detective Inspector Lindsay Denton.
World Productions Executive producer Simon Heath said: “It was a mutual decision. Sometimes you have different views of the part and you agree to disagree.
“Once we made a decision we needed to find someone else. But because of the nature of the show there were other scenes we could film in the meantime.”
The first series focused on Martin Compston and Vicky McClure as anti-corruption squad AC-12 who was in pursuit of a corrupt cop played by Lennie James. The series attracted over four million viewers making it one of BBC Two’s biggest hits last year.
Lindsay, who was replacing James after his character was killed off – has still been paid the full fee which is allegedly £50,000, with the expense being picked up by the production company after the BBC refused to contribute more to the budget than had been agreed.
A BBC insider said: “The DCC role is an important role but it’s more of a cameo. The starring role is Keeley Hawes.”
A spokesman for Lindsay declined to comment.
‘Line Of Duty’ series 2 will air on BBC Two later in the year.
2 thoughts on “Mark Bonnar takes over as Robert Lindsay quits ‘Line Of Duty’ 2”
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Given that Bonnar’s interrogation scene in episode 5 is one of the best scenes on british tv in years I;d say that Lindsey must be gutted. Bonnar was amazing and I’m glad that such an underrated actor got such a memorable scene to show how brilliant he is. Hopefully the BBC will offer him a lot more.
Totally agree!