Line of Duty stars unrecognisable in fresh-faced snaps at start of their careers

The new Line of Duty series has gripped the nation – and the hit BBC show has made household names out of its stars.

But ever wondered what the show’s actors looked like before they made it famous?

Well anti-corruption trio Adrian Dunbar, Martin Compston and Vicky McClure certainly all look a far cry from their more mature looks in the show now.

And that’s the same for star names Kelly Macdonald, Stephen Graham, Keeley Hawes and Thandiwe Newton, who have also played a big part in the police drama's success.

Here at Daily Star we've taken a look at the fresh-faced actors at the start of their careers.

Adrian Dunbar / Ted Hastings

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Prior to landing the role of the nation’s best-loved police chief, Ted Hastings, actor Adrian starred as Martin Summers in the BBC’s Ashes to Ashes.

The now 62-year-old Irishman co-wrote and starred in the 1991 film Hear my Song, which was nominated for the BAFTA’s Best Original Screenplay.

He also starred as Richard Plantagenet in The Hollow Crown and Father Flaherty in Broken.

Vicky McClure / Kate Fleming

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Her first ever acting role was in Shane Meadow’s 1999 comedy-drama A Room for Romeo Brass.

Aged just 15 at the time, Vicky – who has been wowing fans with her acting talent in the latest series of Line of Duty – went on to star in Meadow’s iconic This is England, as well as the Channel 4 spin-off series that followed.

But she turned down a role in Emmerdale to become the now loved DC Kate Fleming in the AC-12 action-packed cop show.

Martin Compston / Steve Arnott

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Scottish actor Martin started out as a professional footballer, playing for Greenock Morton, having originally been on the books at Aberdeen.

But he auditioned for Ken Loach’s Sweet Sixteen and, as they say, the rest is history.

He and his co-star William Ruane were both nominated for Most Promising Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards, but Martin won the acclaimed gong.

Martin quickly established himself as a Line of Duty regular as tough – and troubled – officer DS Steve Arnott.

He has also starred as Paul Ferris in The Wee Man, Ewan Brodie in Monarch of the Glen and Dan Docherty in the BBC's recent hit drama The Nest, in-between cracking crime for AC-12.

Kelly MacDonald / Jo Davidson

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How could anyone forget a young Kelly in Trainspotting?

She played the under age school girl who took Ewan McGregor’s character home to show him a good time.

The Scottish actress, who married Travis musician Dougie Payne in 2003 until their split in 2017, would later land roles in the Gosford Park, Nanny McPhee, Boardwalk Empire and the Oscar-winning No Country for Old Men.

Stephen Graham / John Corbett

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Stephen starred as the undercover copper John Corbett in series five of the show, before brutally having his throat slit and bumped off in arguably one of the most shocking scenes from the show.

But, ironically, he shot to fame playing Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne in the film This Is England alongside Vicky McClure.

However, Stephen’s acting debut was back in 1990, over three decades ago, when he landed a role in Dancin’ Thru the Dark.

Keeley Hawes / Lindsey Denton

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Keeley had fans on the edge of their seats as the decidedly dodgy DI Lindsey Denton.

She was one of the show’s most memorable characters and ended up doing a good turn before she met a gruesome death.

But way before Line of Duty, Keeley started out as a fresh-faced Zoe Reynolds in hit BBC spy series Spooks.

She met her husband Matthew McFadyen on the show and the pair have now been married since 2004.

Thandiwe Newton / Roz Huntley

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The instantly recognisable Hollywood star played the bent DCI Roz Huntley back in series four.

But it was way back in 1994 that the talented actress first made her mark starring alongside Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in Interview with the Vampire.

She even starred alongside Nicole Kidman three years earlier on her first acting credit, in the film Flirting.

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