Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio has revealed that there was actually one tell-tale clue that Ian Buckells might have been involved that appeared way back in series one.
The 55-year-old television writer and producer, who is the brains behind all six seasons of Line of Duty, opened up about the shocking revelation that the character was the Fourth Man.
Millions tuned in last Sunday to finally discover the identity of the final figure - known as 'H'.
While some viewers have suggested that the finale was somewhat 'disappointing', Jed has defended the storyline and explained that it was always his intention that H had been there the whole time.
Speaking on the Obsessed with Line of Duty podcas t, Jed said: "It was always really important to me that it was someone who had been in season one, someone who had been there the whole time."
During his appearance, Jed also revealed that there was a suspicious moment involving Ian Buckells in season one that could have set off alarm bells.
The scene, which takes place in episode five, featured bent copper Matthew 'Dot' Cottan asking Ian if he could speak to Tommy Hunter - who had just been arrested.
The writer continued: "It was really about the heritage of the series, going all the way back to season one, where Dot Cottan says, 'Oh, can I just have a quick word with Tommy Hunter in the back of the van?' and Buckells goes, 'Yeah, alright'. OK, like, really, is that what you should be doing? Of course not."
Jed's remarks came shortly after the much-anticipated finale of season six, which aired on Sunday.
With H finally unmasked as bumbling DCI Ian Buckells, many fans were actually left angry because he was not considered a big enough character.
While the final might not have been to everyone's satisfaction, the last episode also celebrated incredible ratings with over 12.8 million tuning in to find out who H was.
Because so many fans tuned in the BBC said the ratings were the highest for any drama since records began in 2002 - excluding soaps.
Despite the impressive ratings, at this point it is unclear whether Line of Duty will return for a seventh series. Jed and the cast are so far remaining tight-lipped about any future plans surrounding the BBC show.
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