Their cat and mouse games have always been rooted more in a passionate obsession with each other than in the love of the job.
And now Killing Eve assassin Villanelle and her ex-MI6 nemesis could be set to seal their feelings in something other than blood.
As the series three finale screens tonight, show boss Suzanne Heathcote has revealed the duo will no longer fight their mutual emotions when the thriller next returns.
She said: “The relationship is life-and-death dangerous for both of them, but they know no matter what they do, there is no parting ways.
“They are in each other’s lives going forward now, regardless.”
The news will thrill fans who have seen the pair – played by Jodie Comer, 27, and Sandra Oh, 48 – dance around their unspoken love.
Season one ended with Eve stabbing Villanelle, and season two with Villanelle shooting Eve.
Suzanne said: “I really felt the journey of that relationship this season. It was important I honoured what happened before.
“To get that relationship back it needed Eve, particularly, to acknowledge Villanelle is in her life – the danger of that hasn’t been eradicated.”
She said of the pair’s unusual understanding: “There’s no judgement.
“Having someone really see you – in a way you’ve never felt seen before – is intoxicating and addictive. Eve knows she cannot run from it any more.”
Jodie was this week nominated for a BAFTA for her portrayal of glamourous psychopath Villanelle.
Killing Eve, BBC1, tonight, 9.15pm
