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Daily Record
Daily Record
Entertainment
Siobhan Macdonald

Martin Compston's new drama Mayflies has viewers 'in tears' praising 'outstanding' show

Martin Compston's new Scottish drama Mayflies has had viewers 'in tears' praising the 'outstanding' performances and storyline.

The Greenock-born actor stars in the TV adaptation of Scots author Andrew O'Hagan's book of the same name, which won Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year 2021. The Line of Duty actor stars alongside Tony Curran and Ashley Jensen in the heartbreaking drama which tells a story of friendship, love, and loyalty.

The two-part show was filmed in and around Glasgow and Ayrshire and tackles the controversial subject of assisted dying. The 38-year-old recently called the series "by far the most emotionally challenging job I’ve ever done", and he wasn't wrong as viewers flocked to social media to praise the BBC show.

Despite the emotional scenes in the show, viewers took to social media to rave about the series - despite leaving many teary eyed. One said: "@martin_compston @TonyCurran69 watching mayflies and loving it, sensitive subject but you guys nailed it, great acting all round, lucky I’ve got the subtitles."

"#Mayflies, is a superb adaptation of Andrew O'Hagan's acclaimed novel, beautiful performances from @martin_compston & @TonyCurran69," penned another.

Limbo (MATT LITTLESON), Young Jimmy (RIAN GORDON), Young Tully (TOM GLYNN-CARNEY), Young Hogg (PAUL GORMAN) and Young Tibbs (MITCHELL ROBERTSON) (Synchronicity Films Limited)

Someone else agreed: "What an absolutely heartbreaking yet heartwarming story #mayflies is. Brill cast @martin_compston & @TonyCurran69 are incredible together & #AshleyJensen is amazing as Tully’s wife I felt every tear & shared every laugh. What a powerhouse of a drama. Thanks to all cast/crew."

Another fan tweeted: "Put on #Mayflies cos Martin Compston...only to be left with my heart thoroughly broken. Excellent stuff, but I really wish I'd prepared myself for that," while a fifth agreed: "Done episode 1 of #Mayflies on @BBCiPlayer. Had to stop & come up for air…it’s breathtaking!"

"Wow! #Mayflies is outstanding. The cast is phenomenal, the mix of past & present timeline works brilliantly. Such a heartbreaking topic but done so well You will laugh, you will cry & you will think about choices. You have to watch this folks! Kudos to all involved," wrote another fan.

Another viewer said: "#Mayflies on BBC Scotland. Brilliant acting from all the cast & some nostalgic 80’s music So emotional. Just wonderful."

Mayflies will continue tomorrow on BBC Scotland at 10pm, or both episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.

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