Who is Tommy Hunter? Line of Duty viewers react to shocking Jo Davidson revelation

*Spoilers ahead*

Line of Duty fans were left reeling after the latest episode aired on BBC One.

They had been on tenterhooks since the previous episode after AC-12 officers conducted a forensic sweep of Farida Jatri’s house, which uncovered DCI Jo Davidson’s (Kelly Macdonald) DNA.

That was then partially matched to a “nominal” stored on other police databases – apparently a blood relative.

Following the episode four cliffhanger, in which Ted Hastings uttered his now-famous “mother of God” catchphrase after reading the results, audience members had been speculating over who Davidson’s DNA could be a match for.

The fact that Davidson tried to brush her family history under the rug since the first episode led fans to guess that it was someone with strong ties to police corruption.

Their suspicions were confirmed in last night’s (Sunday 18 April) episode, when it was revealed that Davidson’s DNA matched that of the notorious Tommy Hunter.

Fans who have watched Jed Mercurio’s BBC series since its inception will remember that the Glaswegian Hunter (played by Brian McArdie), was a paedophile and the first leader of the OCG, who groomed Matthew “Dot” Cottan while he worked as a golf caddy. Dot later joined the police on the gang’s behalf. 

Hunter later agreed to enter witness protection on Dot’s advice, and began working as an informant. He was then injured during an ambush as he was being escorted from his safehouse after a supposed threat on his life, and left with severe injuries.

Tommy Hunter (BBC iPlayer)

While Hunter was recovering in hospital, DC Jeremy Cole disguised himself as a nurse to get past security and killed him.

Since Hunter’s death, his name has cropped up on several occasions, including in the revelation that his murder was orchestrated by Dot, who didn’t want to be exposed as a mole.

Many fans had guessed that Hunter was the most likely candidate for the DNA match, because of several reasons. Partly because of the secrecy around her family’s identity (being related to Tommy definitely wouldn’t be something to shout about), and partly because they’re both Glaswegian.

There’s still some uncertainty around their respective ages: some thought Tommy could be DCI Davidson’s father, while others believed he could be her brother.

The next episode of Line of Duty airs on Sunday on BBC One at 9pm.