GREENOCK acting star Martin Compston says his latest TV drama was one of the toughest roles of his career as it gets set to air on the BBC next week.

Martin is one of the main characters in Mayflies, an adaptation of celebrated Scottish author Andrew O'Hagan's acclaimed novel.

He plays the part of of Jimmy beside Tony Curran as his pal Tully, with the story billed as a 'memorial to youth's euphoria and everyday tragedy'.

Also starring the likes of Elaine C Smith and Colin McCredie of Taggart fame, it takes the main duo from the summer of 1986 in a small Scottish town and a friendship forged on music and films, to three decades on and some devastating news and a request that tests their friendship to the limit.

Martin said: "It’s a drama based around relationships and friendships and the main characters are two old friends who have been best pals for decades and one of them gets life-changing news.

"He plans to act on that news and enlists the help of his best friend.

"It’s set across two timelines and is by far the most emotionally challenging job I’ve ever done."

The production was shot in Scotland and Martin says he enjoyed being able to work close to his home in Inverclyde.

He said: "It’s always a joy to be at home.

"Scotland really is the most beautiful stage.

"In a setting like that, you get this feeling of 'I need to do this scene and this setting justice.'

"On the other hand, we nearly got washed away at one point when a downpour came through, but that’s the joy of shooting in Scotland."

Martin says the drama hit home with him because of his role as an ambassador for Ardgowan Hospice.

He said: "First and foremost it is entertainment but there’s also a big conversation to be had around assisted dying.

"I’m a huge supporter of hospices - I’m a patron of Ardgowan Hospice in Greenock and I know people can be treated with dignity and respect when it comes to end of life care.

"There is this element you can’t escape where people feel they have to go to a different country to end their life in their own way.

"Mayflies doesn’t have the answer but within the show we look at both sides, and there are strong opinions from both, and we balance it.

"I hope it sparks a conversation.

Mayflies will be shown on the BBC Scotland Channel, on December 27 and 28 from 10-11pm and on BBC One, on December 28 and 29 from 9-10pm.