Line of Duty episode 5: Anna Maxwell Martin to return

Surprise comeback follows big Joanne Davidson cliffhanger

A formerLine of Duty cast member is returning in the next episode.

Following the acclaimed fourth episode of the BBC drama, which ended with a huge cliffhanger, it’s been announced that a face from series five will be brought back into the fold.

Anna Maxwell Martin will reprise the role of senior anti-corruption Detective Chief Superintendent Patricia Carmichael.

The actor, who has won Baftas for Bleak House (2005) and Poppy Shakespeare (2009), first impressed critics with her portrayal of the intimidating superintendant in 2019.

Her character was brought in as an independent investigator to interview AC-12 chief Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar).

Anna Maxwell Martin is returning to ‘Line of Duty’ (BBC)

Carmichael’s return will come at a bad time for Hastings considering he’s just discovered he’s being forced into retirement.

Speaking about her return, Maxwell Martin said: “Pat’s back, I can’t remember what she’s doing there, nor would I be allowed to blab, but suffice to say she’s got some new clobber and she’s ready to bust some balls.”

The latest episode of Jed Mercurio’s series ended with the revelation that DCI Joanne Davidson (Kelly Macdonald) was related to a character from a previous series.

The outing ended before viewers learned the identity of the character, but that hasn’t stopped them from feverishly guessing who it might be.

Elsewhere, fans believe DI Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) discovered some key information off-screen that he’s holding back from Hastings in the latest episode.

Line of Duty continues on BBC One on Sunday (18 April) at 9pm.