Martin Compston, best known for playing anti-corruption officer DS Steve Arnott in the BBC’s smash-hit drama Line Of Duty, will be swapping sides to play a serial killer for ITV.

The Scottish actor and former professional footballer is taking on the role of Peter Manuel for a three-part mini-series from World Productions, the company behind Line Of Duty.

American-born Scottish serial killer Manuel was a petty thief by the age of 10.

Martin Compston in Line Of DutyMartin Compston in Line Of Duty (Steffan Hill/BBC/World Productions)

Six years later he committed a number of sexual attacks that resulted in a nine-year prison sentence. Manuel was later convicted of murdering seven people across Scotland between 1956 and his arrest in January 1958.

Nicknamed “the Beast of Birkenshaw” by the Scottish media, he was hanged at Glasgow’s Barlinnie Prison in 1958.

Following a hugely successful third series, Martin will revive his portrayal of Steve Arnott for BBC One when Line Of Duty returns for its fourth series. His role as the evil Manuel is bound to surprise some Line Of Duty fans.

Douglas HenshallDouglas Henshall (Alastair Grant/AP)

Fellow Scot Douglas Henshall, who became a household name for his role as DI Jimmy Perez in BBC One’s Shetland, will play the police officer who is tasked with catching the killer.

Line Of Duty director John Strickland will direct the forthcoming mini-series, according to the Daily Mail.

Filming will begin soon in Scotland.