Anna Maxwell Martin to guest star in Line Of Duty’s final two episodes

Anna Maxwell Martin will guest star in the final two episodes of Line Of Duty’s fifth series, it’s been announced.

The star of Motherland, Bleak House, And Then There Were None will play a major role in the upcoming instalments, the BBC has confirmed.

The Bafta-winning actor will appear as Detective Chief Superintendent Patricia Carmichael, a senior anti-corruption detective brought in from outside of AC-12.

We will first meet DCS Carmichael when Line Of Duty returns to TV this Sunday at 9PM on BBC One.

Anna Maxwell Martin said of joining the show: “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. She’s a woman on a mission.”

Line of Duty showrunner Jed Mercurio says: “I’m delighted and flattered an actor of Anna Maxwell Martin’s status agreed to play this pivotal role in Line Of Duty.

“Anna was a pleasure to work with and brought real depth to the character of DCS Carmichael.”

Simon Heath, executive producer for World Productions added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Anna again, but in a very different role. I can’t wait for the Line Of Duty audience to see what she’s brought to the show.”

Line Of Duty’s fifth series airs Sunday nights at 9PM on BBC One.

Ratings for the current season have peaked with more than 8 million viewers, rising to 10 million with catch up included.

The final episode of the series on Sunday, May 5 will be a 90-minute special.

A sixth series already has the green light from the BBC.