Motherland actress Anna Maxwell Martin is set to join Line of Duty in a “major” and “pivotal” role for the last two episodes of series five.
The actress will join the AC-12 trio from outside the unit, as senior anti-corruption Detective Chief Superintendent Patricia Carmichael who is drafted in from the outside with a big part to play.
Details about her character’s role are being kept tightly under wraps but viewers will first meet her this Sunday, in the penultimate episode of the latest series.
The BBC has teased that DCS Carmichael will have a “major” role in the remaining two hours of the series, with the two-time BAFTA winner herself revealing that her character is a “woman on a mission”.
On joining the series, she said: “I’ve been a fan of Line of Duty for years, so was dead chuffed to be part of series five. I’m so pleased I no longer have to keep it a secret.
“I feel honoured to follow in the footsteps of the host of great actors who make up the Line of Duty family, and Jed Mercurio - of course - has written a brilliant character in Carmichael.”
Mercurio said that her role is “pivotal” in this series, although remained tight-lipped on what exactly Carmichael is up to.
A new spoiler picture gives us our first look at DCS Carmichael in action, locked in conversation with a stern looking DS Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and DC Steve Arnott, played by Martin Compston.
Maxwell Martin’s addition to the cast comes hot on the heels of the gruesome departure of key character John Corbett, an undercover officer murdered by the group he had embedded with.
Viewers watched in horror as Corbett – played by Stephen Graham – had his throat slit after being lured into a trap by the gang, set up by McQueen (Rochenda Sandall).
Line of Duty continues Sundays at 9pm on BBC One.
