A LOCAL actor put in an arresting performance – as he handcuffed Greenock star Martin Compston at the conclusion of hit drama In Plain Sight.

Andy McAlindon couldn’t believe it when he successfully auditioned for the part of DC Lowe in the ITV’s acclaimed drama on the crimes of Lanarkshire serial killer Peter Manuel, played by Martin.

The dad-of-three even cancelled two holidays abroad so that he could get on set.

He found himself tasked with arresting Martin – now one of the UK’s most high-profile actors.

It is one of Andy’s career highlights to date and he’s already racked up 

appearances in productions including Rillington Place and Trainspotting 2.

Dad-of-three Andy, 39, said: “In Plain Sight was so exciting and a great opportunity. I had to send in a video audition to get the part, but I think I had the stern 1950s detective look just right!

“It was hard-going on the day and filming was very intense.

“I had to arrest and caution Martin and there was a struggle before I said ‘get him in the car’.

“You would do it all and then the director would say ‘reset’ and we would do it all over again. It was exhausting, but brilliant.”

Off-screen, Andy was delighted to meet Martin, who made his name in Ken Loach’s Sweet Sixteen and is now the lead in Line of Duty.

Andy said: “Martin is just absolutely lovely. He is a working class boy from Greenock who has achieved great success.

“It was lovely to talk to him and get some advice.”

In Plain Sight was Andy’s first credited role and followed another detective part in Rillington Place.

The self-employed electrician has been involved in amateur dramatics in his home village of Kilmacolm for some time, and two years ago signed up with Real People Castings.

He said: “You just hope that you can keep working hard and get recognised.”

Andy and his wife Ana, who is also on the casting agency’s books, fit in filming with looking after their three children Daniel, 16, Patrick, four, and one-year-old Lana.

The former St Columba’s pupil said: “I had to cancel a holiday to Croatia with my family and a holiday to Portugal with my friend to take the role on In Plain Sight. I didn’t want to miss out!”

Andy also found himself on Hogmanay television favourite Only an Excuse, appearing in a sketch alongside Judy Murray.