MOVING 5,000 miles across the Atlantic from Greenock to Los Angeles, Martin Compston could have been forgiven for expecting to be passing the time of day with a native of the sunshine city across his back garden fence.

Instead the Greenock actor is swapping stories with someone with ties a lot closer to home – a boy from the Port.

Martin found his place in LA with a little help from actor Ross McCall, best known for his roles as Joseph Liebgott in Band of Brothers and Matthew Keller in the hit series White Collar.

Despite making his name in America, Ross, 42, still remembers his Inverclyde roots – and now has a constant reminder next door.

Speaking exclusively to the Tele as part of Martin’s guest editor slot, he said: “I remember my school St Michael’s fondly, and the sweet shop in Moorfield Avenue. Most of my time was spent between the two.

“I remember I used to sell my brother’s toys off the wall at the shops to make some money, although my empire was brought down when someone living next door spilled the beans to him. I often say in interviews that a big part of who I am as an actor is because of my working class Inverclyde roots.

“Sadly it is rare that I make it back these days, but in the last few years I’ve managed to visit more often.

“I was shooting the latest episodes of 24 in London a little while back, and some weekends I’d come up to Scotland to watch a game at Parkhead as, like Martin, I’m a big Celtic fan. If the club ever asks me to come and play though, I’m sure I’ll manage over!”

Although a supporter of the Glasgow giants, Ross told the Tele he retains a soft spot for Morton.

He added: “I send my best to the club, they enjoyed a fantastic season last year and did amazingly well to reach a national cup semi-final. It would be brilliant to see them in the Premier League one day and I could perhaps catch them playing against Celtic.”

Ross, who is currently working on a number of high profile film and TV projects, was also able to share a few secrets on Martin with Tele readers – including the Line of Duty star’s love of a good cuppa.

He laughed: “It’s quite funny that Martin moved to Los Angeles and his neighbour is from Port Glasgow!

“He’s like a little old man, partial to a peppermint tea with honey and sitting in his yard on the iPad talking to his gnomes.

“In all seriousness it’s actually been great having someone from my first home being a part of my life out here.

“We were born in the same hospital, so we both have the same survival skills! Our dogs entertain each other as we have a daily catch-up on all things football – his place has become like a second home.”

Ross told the Tele he hopes the increasing success being enjoyed by Scots actors can help ambitious plans for a national film studio – previously mooted for Inverclyde – become a reality, adding: “I’d welcome it. You don’t get views like back home at many studios in London or even over here in Los Angeles.

“Some of the best crews come out of Scotland so it makes sense on many levels. And the service would be epic - square sausage, fried egg and tattie scones, what’s not to like?”