How Chloe Bishop saved the Line of Duty finale! Fans claim Shalom Brune-Franklin, 26, ‘quietly carried’ the series after going from a ‘shack by the beach’ in Perth to an extra in Thor and TV hits including Our Girl and Roadkill
- Line of Duty viewers were blown away by performance of Shalom Brune-Franklin
- The 26-year-old portrays Chloe Bishop, a new recruit for AC-12 in series 6
- But during last night’s finale she helped to unmask bent copper Buckells as H
- Shalom began her career as an extra, playing a college girl in Thor: Ragnarok
- Cut her chops in Britain’s biggest TV dramas including Our Girl and Roadkill
Line of Duty fans may have been disappointed by the unveiling of H during last night’s series finale – but there was one performance that viewers across the nation were blown away by.
Many watching were wowed by actress Shalom Brune-Franklin as AC-12’s newest recruit DC Chloe Bishop, who uncovered the identity of the criminal mastermind after discovering handwritten notes from DSI Ian Buckells in which he spelled ‘definitely’ as ‘definately’.
One person commented: ‘I know tonight was a disappointment, but hats off to the incredible Shalom Brune-Franklin who played Chloe – she seemed to be running AC-12 this series.’
It is the latest in a string of successes for the British-born Australian actress, 26, who grew up ‘in a shack on the beach’ in Perth before making her big screen debut as an extra, College Girl One, in Thor: Ragnarok.
She has since gone on to star in some of Britain’s biggest TV dramas, including Our Girl and Roadkill, in which she played Hugh Laurie’s illegitimate criminal daughter Rose.
Australian-English actress Shalom Brune-Franklin, 26, wowed Line of Duty fans last night with her incredible performance as DC Chloe Bishop
It has been an astounding rise for Shalom, who was born in St Albans to a Mauritian mother Ingrid Brune and Thai-English father, Phillip Franklin.
As a teenager, she dreamed of becoming an athlete and competing in the 800m at the 2012 Olympics.
However when she was 15, her parents decided to swap life in a Hertfordshire council house for a new start in Australia, concluding that they would ‘rather struggle in the sunshine’.
She told Radio Times: ‘We lived in a shack, but right by the beach. My father wanted to be a chef and that’s exactly what he did, and Mum now works for the Australian government. It’s the best thing they ever did.’
It has been an astounding rise for Shalom, who was born in St Albans to a Mauritian mother and Thai-born English father and started her career as an extra in a Thor film (left) before starring in Australian soap Doctor, Doctor (right)
Many viewers will recognise Shalom from her remarkable performance as Hugh Laurie’s illegitimate criminal daughter Rose in Roadkill
At school, Shalom was told to ditch maths and switch to chemistry, physics or drama.
‘I was thinking, ‘I’ll go with drama, sit in the back and play games.’ But I fell in love with it from then,’ she recalled. ‘It all came about because I wasn’t good enough at maths.’
While at high school in Perth, she set her sights on becoming a journalist until fate intervened again.
An administrative error meant she was wrongly classed as an overseas student at her chosen university, landing her with fees she couldn’t afford.
In 2018, she was announced as the first winner of the Chris Edmund scholarship, which was set up by WAAPA graduate and Greatest Showman star Hugh Jackman and dedicated to his drama teacher
So she auditioned for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
Shalom recalled: ‘I always thought that acting wasn’t a real job. It didn’t register that I could have a career.’
In one of her first public performances at drama school in 2016, she played Lady Macbeth and critics singled out her ‘stunning’ and ‘beautiful’ performance.
On the show’s closing night, she was announced as the first winner of the Chris Edmund scholarship, which was set up by WAAPA graduate and Greatest Showman star Hugh Jackman and dedicated to his drama teacher.
Shalom was born in the UK but when she was 15, her parents decided to swap life in a Hertfordshire council house for a new start in Australia, concluding that they would ‘rather struggle in the sunshine’
At the time, she said: ‘My training at WAAPA gave me every tool possible in order to go out into the industry and know what I need to be doing.
‘Winning the scholarship allows me to take it slowly for a second and think about the next steps. I don’t need to think nationally, I can think internationally.’
The following year, she went on to star in several Australia dramas, including as Bindy in the Channel Nine Australia’s TV Series Bad Mothers and Irish nurse Aoife in Doctor Doctor.
Her first big screen debut was as College Girl number one in Thor: Ragnarok in which she was on screen for 15 seconds and took a selfie with Chris Helmsworth’s character.
She auditioned for Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) before landing the Chris Edmund scholarship, which was set up by actor Hugh Jackman
After landing a role as an Isis bride in the controversial 2017 Channel 4 show The State, her big break came when she starred as ‘cocky’ Private Maisie Richards in Army drama Our Girl.
On joining Our Girl, she told Bradford Zone: ‘It’s always been pretty daunting walking into something on its third series and I didn’t think I’d have it as easy as I did. It hasn’t really hit me, but everyone was so incredibly lovely and welcoming.’
But she struggled with viewer reaction to her divisive character, revealing in an interview with The Telegraph that she ‘cried to her mum’ after she began trending on Twitter.
She said: ‘It was overwhelming because I’d never experienced people speaking about me like that. Some people hated Maisie, and I was so upset, but then my mum said, ‘But isn’t that the point? She’s meant to be unlikeable.’ And then I realised, OK, yes, I’ve done my job.’
After graduating from drama school, Shalom landed several roles in Australian soaps, including Bad Mothers (pictured)
After landing a role as an Isis bride in the controversial 2017 Channel 4 show The State, her big break came when she starred as ‘cocky’ Private Maisie Richards in Army drama Our Girl (pictured far right with Michelle Keegan)
At the time, she couldn’t believe her career was blowing up, previously telling Perth News: ‘It’s so crazy.
‘I could not have predicted that it would be like this. I just can’t believe I’ve been in work since I finished.’
After filming Our Girl opposite Michelle Keegan, Shalom began working on Netflix series Cursed, a re-imagining of the Arthurian legend.
She plays Morgan le Fay, who, in depictions down the ages like Sir Thomas Malory’s 15th-century Le Morte d’Arthur and BBC’s hit noughties series Merlin is usually cast as a baddie.
Not long afterwards, Shalom landed her biggest part yet – starring opposite Hugh Laurie in David Hare’s Westminster-set thriller Roadkill
However she said the Netflix version was ‘female-driven’ and ‘very different’, telling Radio Times: ‘I was raised by incredibly strong black women, so I want to represent that on screen.’
Not long afterwards, Shalom landed her biggest role yet – starring opposite Hugh Laurie in David Hare’s Westminster-set thriller Roadkill.
She wowed viewers as the criminal daughter of the egocentric Tory MP whose past catches up with him.
Recalling rehearsals with Laurie, Shalom said it was a ‘masterclass in acting’ and ‘one of the greatest experiences of her life.’
As well as starring in some of Britain and Australia’s biggest shows, Shalom has also wowed Netflix viewers with her portrayal as Morgan in Cursed (pictured)
After Roadkill, her star continued to rise, and she auditioned for her role in Line of Duty without actually knowing what she was trying out for.
Avid viewer Shalom was still caught unawares when an offer to join the sixth series arrived.
She said: ‘I remember receiving an email that said ‘LOD6’ and I thought, ‘Oh, it’s an audition for a show called Lod’.
‘It didn’t click in my head that it was Line Of Duty. I opened the email and I saw the words ‘Anti-Corruption Unit 12′ and I shrieked. I freaked out.’
After Roadkill, her star continued to rise, and she auditioned for her role in Line of Duty without actually knowing what she was trying out for
Speaking to The Times, she revealed: ‘There was so much to learn. I auditioned at the start of February 2020 and there was maybe a week’s buffer between that and getting the job.’
The actress admitted that she was ‘so nervous’ about taking on the role and being on set with LOD’s well-known stars.
Shalom described her first day of filming as a ‘surreal experience’ and confessed that part of her ‘wanted to scream.’
She added: ‘I was so nervous, but there were so many lines to learn that in a way it took away my nerves.
Shalom described her first day of filming as a ‘surreal experience’ and confessed that part of her ‘wanted to scream’ (pictured with Steve Arnott and Martin Compston)
‘It was mad – such a surreal experience to walk on to the set of something you are such a huge fan of.’
The actress explained: ‘I remember walking on set … and there was part of me that wanted to scream. The other half was thinking that I had been hired to do a job, calm down.’
When production on Line of Duty halted in March 2020 because of the pandemic, she had been staying with her grandparents in London, but because they were high-risk, she decided to fly home to Australia.
But despite the challenges of filming, fans of the show have been blown away by her portrayal as savvy new recruit Chloe, who was finally able to unmask H.
Despite the challenges of filming, fans of the show have been blown away by her portrayal as savvy new recruit Chloe, who was finally able to unmask H
By searching through all the old case files for the Lawrence Christopher case and newly-found ones from Operation Lighthouse, she found handwritten notes from Buckells – in which he spelled ‘definitely’ as ‘definately’.
A number of checks that looked for idiosyncrasies in grammar, punctuation and spelling traced the word back to Buckells who first used the misspelling in a report during the Lawrence Christopher investigation in 2003.
When confronted with the revelation Hastings was left astounded, asking his colleague: ‘Are you sure Chloe?’
The revelation set the stage for a dramatic confrontation between Hastings’ team and Buckells who eventually confessed: ‘Yeah right I’m a blundering fool. I’m only the one whose made total mugs out of you lot!’.
Viewers have been wowed by Shalom’s performance as Chloe, with many saying it was the best part of series 6 and begging for a spin-off featuring the character
Viewers went wild over her performance online, with one commenting: ‘One of the best things to come out of Line of Duty is Shalom Bruce-Franklin’s performance as Chloe. I hope she appears in season 7.’
Another wrote: ‘The saving grace of that entire season was Shalom Brune-Franklin as Chloe and Anna Maxwell Martin as Carmichael. Can they have spin offs please?
A third commented: ‘The actress who played DC Chloe Bishop, Shalom Brune-Franklin, in Line of Duty deserves claps. She has had such an important part and huge script.
‘Why wasn’t she in the promotion rounds of Line of Duty? Look forward to seeing her in future things.’
And it’s not the last time fans will see Shalom on their screens – she is currently filming The Tourist, a psychological thriller shot in the Australian outback that’s due on the BBC next year with 50 Shades of Grey’s Jamie Dornan
And it’s not the last time fans will see Shalom on their screens – she is currently filming The Tourist, a psychological thriller shot in the Australian outback that’s due on the BBC next year with 50 Shades of Grey’s Jamie Dornan.
Despite her blossoming career, the actress tends to keep tight-lipped about her private life.
She rarely posts snaps on Instagram although in 2019, she revealed she had a partner who she met while he was working as a producer on Doctor Doctor.
According to Entertainment Daily, she explained: ‘If you want a relationship to work, you will launch straight into long distance.
‘Which is also awesome, because you get to travel, and meet up in all these great places, and it’s really cool.
‘I am lucky I found the right person. We don’t find it difficult at all – it’s a part of us now, which is really cool.’
‘Mother of God! We’ve waited 10 years for the most pointless character to be H’: Line Of Duty fans are left underwhelmed as 12.8million viewers FINALLY learn the identity of the elusive Fourth Man
Line of Duty fans across the nation were left underwhelmed and disappointed last night as the nail-biting series finale drew to a close – and the mysterious antagonist ‘H’ was finally unmasked.
Loyal viewers took to social media in their droves to share their frustrations as officers from the police anti-corruption unit AC-12 discovered the identity of the elusive ‘fourth man’.
But the revelation the bent copper colluding with the organised crime groups (OCGs), was actually DSI Ian Buckells infuriated many seasoned Line Of Duty fans.
It saw the words ‘fuming’, ‘disappointing’ and ‘underwhelming’ all trend on social media in the aftermath of the show.
And the disbelief it could be him was compounded by the way he was only caught because of his repeated mis-spelling of the word ‘definitely’ – hardly the blunder of a hardened criminal mastermind.
The detective – widely thought until last night to have been just a bungling stooge – was first introduced to viewers in series one as the SIO in the case of murdered businesswoman Jackie Laverty by then Chief Superintendent Derek Hilton.
He later went on to become Detective Chief Inspector in series four before being promoted once more to Detective Superintendent in this final series.
Sharing their disappointment on the revelation, one disgruntled Line of Duty fan wrote on Twitter: ‘Can’t believe I watched six seasons of line of Duty for Ian Buckells, the most pointless character to be the fourth man. Fuming.’
While another viewer added: ‘Buckells, the most pointless character’.
And while the finale tied up many unresolved storylines, there were still some gaping plot holes and storylines left unanswered.
They included:
- Why did Buckells ordered the attempted murder of DCI Jo Davidson, when she was under the mistaken belief H was actually another dirty former police chief, DCS Patrick Fairbank?
- Why was Davidson was also given a luxury life in witness protection – despite the fact the intelligence she delivered was completely wrong?
- Who was the real leader of the OCG, as Buckells insisted it was those groups who tasked him to carry out his corrupt crimes?
- With Buckells inside prison at the time, who forged DS Lomax and DI Fleming’s signatures to authorise Davidson’s dodgy prison transport ?
- Chief Constable Philip Osborne spent the series blindly denying corruption in the police force, yet why was it that when it was proved there were bent coppers in the force it had no consequence for him?
- Now that Hastings has come clean about his accidental role in an undercover officer’s death, what will this mean for his appeal against his forced retirement?
- Given Buckells’ closeness to many of the villains from previous series, why did AC-12 fail to investigate him further earlier in their corruption probe?
Line Of Duty’s much-anticipated sixth series came to its conclusion on Sunday night with the identity of the elusive criminal ‘H’ finally unmasked
Fans shared their frustrations as officers of the police anti-corruption unit AC-12 discovered the identity of the elusive ‘fourth man’
The sixth series of the Jed Mercurio creation also saw DI Steve Arnott, played by actor Martin Compston, finally called in for a meeting with Occupational Health, who noted that while he had not broken the law through his excessive painkiller use, he would have to surrender his firearms licence.
However, the 60-minute episode’s end failed to offer any resolution on whether the fan-favourite team of DI Steve Arnott, DI Kate Fleming and Superintendent Ted Hastings would return, ending on the revelation that the team has ‘never been weaker.’
The mystery surrounding the identity of ‘H’ has been up for speculation since his character was first mentioned at the end of series three, which aired in 2016, and detectives at the anti-corruption unit discovered there were four officers working within the force who had links to the underground criminal network.
But fans slated Buckells as the fourth man, with one complaining: ‘We waited 10 years for Ian Buckells to be revealed as the OCG mastermind.’
Another commented: ‘Everyone in the UK when we waited all this time for Ian Buckells to be revealed as the OCG mastermind.’
Meanwhile another fan said: ‘I would have accepted Hastings as H over Ian bloody Buckells #LineOfDuty #LineofDutyFinale.’
Elsewhere another viewer added: ‘I once got the entire UK invested in a TV show only to end it with bumbling Ian Buckells being H #LineofDutyFinale #LineOfDuty.’
And another wrote: ‘Well I hate to say it but that’s a disappointing ending. I refuse to believe it was all down to Ian Buckells of all people.’
There from the start: Buckells was in series one of the hit show, which concentrated on the story of compromised Tony Gates
A series 4 return saw him involved in the storyline starring Thandiwe Newton as Roz Huntley as main corrupt officer
Series six saw Buckells – played by actor Nigel Boyle – returned for his biggest role in this years’ episodes and a starring role
Buckells-ing the trend: How Line Of Duty’s controversial choice of big baddie was built up
Buckells played golf with Tommy Hunter back in series one
While many fans bemoaned the big reveal of Ian Buckells as the fourth man ‘H’, the choice was at least more grounded than some other options.
As early as 2017 fans of the show had been bewildered by the incompetence of the detective as he appeared in a more prominent role in series 4.
The way he was promoted throughout his career on the programme – despite his obvious shortcomings – should have also raised suspicions.
Four years ago actor Nigel Boyle had even said himself ‘there’s definitely more to Buckells than meets the eye’.
In episode 5 of series one he was even shown playing gold with criminal mastermind Tommy Hunter in what can now be seen as clear clue.
When his gold clubs were seen in his office in series six most viewers dismissed it as too obvious a signal.
And when he was arrested first time, his blundering interview with AC-12 made it look like he was too stupid to be involved in any grand conspiracy.
The ending of the series when he was finally unmasked played into this disbelief itself when he appeared to admit it was luck rather than design he was last man standing.
And Buckells’ insistence that he just carried out the work of the OCGs orders, rather than directed them, fitted in with the character’s evident stupidity and inability to spell the word ‘definitely’
One frustrated fan added: ‘In whose universe is Ian Buckells any kind of mastermind of anything? I’m dazed and completely confused.’
Sharing their disappointment, another viewer wrote: ‘Ian Buckells?! Seriously? Surely there has to be a bigger twist in the next series? The man couldn’t tie his own shoelaces, let alone be a criminal mastermind#LineOfDuty #LineofDutyFinale #letdown.’
During the episode tonight, which saw around 12million viewers tune in, Superintendent Ted Hastings, played by actor Adrian Dunbar, was seen asking his colleague Chloe to run checks on the constant misspelling of the word ‘definitely’ as ‘definately’ which had become synonymous with the ‘fourth man’ in previous episodes.
Viewers were introduced to the misspelling when the mysterious ‘H’ sent a message to former undercover officer John Corbett, played by Stephen Graham, in series five.
A number of checks that looked for idiosyncrasies in grammar, punctuation and spelling traced the word back to Buckells who first used the misspelling in a report during the Lawrence Christopher investigation in 2003.
When confronted with the revelation Hastings was left astounded, asking his colleague: ‘Are you sure Chloe?’
The revelation set the stage for a dramatic confrontation between Hastings’ team and Buckells who eventually confessed: ‘Yeah right I’m a blundering fool. I’m only the one whose made total mugs out of you lot!’.
He also revealed the police would have to offer him immunity or Witness Protection if they wanted him to co-operate, telling the AC-12 team: ‘DCS Carmichael is meant to be taking over isn’t she? But she ain’t in here. So that makes me wonder whether she doesn’t want to associated with detecting institutionalised corruption.
‘Because officially institutionalised corruption doesn’t exist does it?
‘Officially ‘H’ or the ‘Fourth man’ or whatever you want to call him, he don’t exist neither. So that makes me realise that everyone would be much happier if this all just went away. So I’ll take Witness Protection and Immunity.’
Pointing out that H did not officially exist as the investigation into corruption had been quashed, he went on to say Tommy Hunter, the organised crime kingpin who was a sinister character during the drama’s early series, was the leader of the OCG.
Also during the show, viewers watched as DI Arnott was left torn on whether to pursue fears that his boss Ted Hastings could be the elusive ‘H’ as the team raced to uncover the mystery figure’s identity.
The officer also admitted to his detective friend Kate Fleming, played by Vicky McClure, that he had been involved with former undercover officer John Corbett’s widow Steph.
Social media fans were left far from impressed with the identity of the elusive ‘H’ as the series drew to a close
Line Of Duty: An eye-watering 12.8 MILLION viewers tune in to watch ‘disappointing’ finale and score BBC its highest EVER overnight rating… as bosses refuse to deny seventh season
An eye-watering 12.8million viewers tuned in to watch Line Of Duty’s sixth season on Sunday night with a 56.2% share in the overnights – recording the network’s highest ever overnight rating.
Fans tuned in to watch the nail-biting series draw to a close – and the mysterious antagonist ‘H’ was finally unmasked as DSI Ian Buckells, played by Nigel Boyle.
Loyal viewers took to social media in their droves to share their frustrations as officers from the police anti-corruption unit AC-12 discovered the identity of the elusive ‘fourth man’ – leading to a demand for another series of the show.
Charlotte Moore, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, said of a seventh season: ‘Addictive event television, Line of Duty has kept the nation guessing for the last seven weeks, so it’s no surprise that last night’s jaw dropping finale set a ratings record.
Jed Mercurio is a master of his craft, and I would like to congratulate him and the entire cast and crew for delivering such an incredible drama series.
‘I’m looking forward to having a conversation with the team about where we go next and what the future of the series might be.’
The calls for another series came due to the disappointment and confusion of some of the 12.8m viewers. Star of the show Martin Compston previously said of the possibility: ‘The genuine answer is we don’t know’.
As the team from AC-12 tried to unravel the mystery surrounding journalist Gail Vella’s death, who was shot dead earlier during the series as she investigated connections between the police and the OCG, they found a strong box hidden under the floor of the criminal organisation’s workshop.
The box was revealed to contain an array of weapons used in murders investigated by Hastings and his team, including the gun that shot and killed Vella, and the knife that slit the throat of DS John Corbett, who was killed by the OCG in series five.
It was the breakthrough that the team had been waiting for, as the box finally proved that Carl Banks, the violent criminal who also goes by the name ‘Ross Turner’, was responsible for Vella’s murder before being killed by the OCG himself.
After weeks of incessant emails, DI Arnott was finally called in for a meeting with Occupational Health, who noted that while he had not broken the law through his excessive painkiller use, he should take time off from his duties.
It came after the detective was seen ignoring the reminders dropping in his inbox to book an appointment for a routine drugs test.
The officer, who became addicted to painkillers after he was pushed down a flight of stairs during a police operation in series four, refused to step down from his duties but did agree to hand over his firearm.
He also came clean to his boss Ted Hastings about his drug use and to his, and the viewers’ surprise, Hastings did not dismiss him, simply saying: ‘I’m glad you’re getting some help.’
Despite fans’ theories that James Nesbitt’s character Marcus Thurwell had to be alive, it was revealed that he was killed in the previous episode, and had actually been dead for several weeks when his body was found after being strangled.
It came after the penultimate episode showed the Guardia Civil police officers storm his Spanish home and find two bodies on the bed.
DC Chloe Bishop, also revealed that any communication involving Thurwell and the OCG had been re-routed through Spain from a device in the UK, meaning the fourth man was definitely still among the corruption team.
After being imprisoned for her own corrupt behaviour, police officer Jo Davidson was taken away in a police van by corrupt prison guards under the ruse that she was being interviewed at Hillside Lane.
Viewers were noticeable underwhelmed to learn the identity of the elusive criminal, as the series ended on an ambiguous note
It was at least revealed that the so-called fourth man was actually DSU Ian Buckells, who had been originally imprisoned after appearing to have been framed by Davidson
The team from AC-12 found a strong box hidden under the floor of the O CG’s workshop during the nail-biting episode
DI Arnott was finally called in for a meeting with Occupational Health, who noted that while he hadn’t broken the law through his excessive painkiller use, he should take time off from his duties
However after it was became clear that ‘H’ was involved in the officer being taken away, AC-12 retraced the van just in time to rescue Davidson, and vowed to get her into witness protection if she came clean on H’s identity.
Davidson was reluctant to give up the man in charge of the Order who kept her hostage for so many years, and so AC-12 opted to return their investigation to former Chief Superintendent Patrick Fairbank- the corrupt officer who was previously jailed for his connections to abuse in the Sands View Boys Home.
However once again Fairbank, claimed he ‘did not remember’ anything related to Davidson or the OCG, leaving a clearly-frustrated Hastings storming out of the interview.
Proving to be the clue that would crack open this decade-long mystery, Bishop spotted the same ‘definately’ spelling inside a written note found in the records related to Lawrence Christopher’s murder.
The case was being investigated by Vella before she was murdered, having learned that the botched work corrupt police officers meant no one was ever charged with the racially-charged crime.
As AC-12 debated whether to go public with the information, Hastings finally confessed to Fleming and Arnott about the mystery bag of money he gave to John Corbett’s widow Steph, admitting he gave her the cash as a kind-hearted gesture.
Despite finally uncovering the identity of H through a long paper trail of corrupt officers, fans were surprised to learn the organisation’s powers had been significantly weakened
As the final shot of the AC-12 elevator showed the trio reunited as they travelled down the lift together, viewers were less hopeful on whether they’ll get to see them together again in a seventh series
She’s become one of the show’s most maligned characters, but viewers were left hoping that detective Carmichael had some glimmer of compassion after Hastings decided to make a confession
Line of Duty fans have previously speculated that Philip Osborne (centre) was ‘H, according to a poll by YouGov
Clearly still a lawful man despite years working in corruption, Hastings admitted that he did reveal that John Corbett was working undercover in organised crime, indirectly leading to his death
He also fiercely denied revealing Corbett’s identity as an Undercover Officer to the OCG, which eventually lead to his death.
Regardless, the written note finally set the stage for the most important police interview in the show’s history, with the stage set at last for Hastings to confront the criminal H who had caused so much havoc in AC-12.
The episode concluded on an uncertain note, with Hastings coming clean about revealing Corbett’s status as an UCO after vowing to appeal his forced retirement.
As he left with the AC-12 team, an on-screen text noted that the unit’s powers to curb wrongdoing in the force had ‘never been weaker’.
Elsewhere Davidson was seen entering Witness Protection, while it appeared that if Buckells gained immunity, none of the evidence for corruption would be heard in court, meaning the entire investigation would have been for nothing.
Anticipated: Given the show’s record-breaking viewership, fans hoped that the finale would answer all their burning questions, including the identity of the elusive ‘H
Ahead of the sixth series finale, feared by many to be the show’s last hurrah, fans got a glimpse of the episode through an action-packed trailer, complete with a police standoff, the return of balaclava men and the discovery of a written note with the ‘definately’ misspelling.
However, despite the huge success of the BBC show, actor Martin Compston revealed the BBC drama could be coming to an end.
Compston – who previously revealed that executive decisions about the series are ‘above his pay grade’ – cast doubt on the show’s future during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show.
Speaking on Saturday’s show, the actor said: ‘We won’t come back just for the sake of it. That’s for sure. We’ll come back if there’s a story to tell.
‘If it ends well maybe sometimes it is best to leave it. But genuinely we don’t know.’
The admission came after Compston teased that fans would get some ‘big answers’ during the finale, and admitted he believed it could be the ‘perfect ending’ to the police drama.
Like many shows, series six was hit by several delays due to the Covid pandemic, with filming in Belfast halted back in March 2020, just days before the UK was plunged into lockdown
The admission comes after Martin teased that fans will get some ‘big answers’ during the finale, and admitted he believes it could be the ‘perfect ending’ to the police drama
Speaking on the Shrine Of Duty podcast, the actor confessed that he thought Sunday’s episode could be the best way to wrap up the ‘story arch’ – but he refused to rule out another series.
When quizzed on whether viewers will learn who the illusive ‘H’ is, Compston said: ‘I wouldn’t quite go the Jo Davidson no comment route – but what I will tell you is I think there’s a lot of pay offs coming this Sunday.
‘There’s a lot of big answers and it’s deserved, people have stuck with us for a long time, so there comes a point where the story arch comes to an end.’
Like many shows, series six was hit by several delays due to the Covid pandemic, with filming in Belfast halted back in March 2020, just days before the UK was plunged into lockdown.
Production was finally able to resume in September that year with strict safety guidelines, including the use of studio sets as opposed to real locations, regular testing measures.
Filming for series six finally wrapped in November, with bosses later confirming it would be seven episodes as opposed to the usual six.
Line Of Duty: The SIX mysteries that were finally explained in ‘underwhelming’ series finale… and the questions that have been left unanswered
The sixth series of Line Of Duty came to its long-awaited conclusion on Sunday night, with viewers finally learning the identity of the Fourth Man H.
However, despite fears this could be the show’s last hurrah, millions of viewers were still left with unanswered questions, as the future of AC-12 was left hanging in the balance, and Superintendent Hastings feared for his future after confessing he revealed John Corbett was an Undercover Officer.
So, as fans wait to see whether Jed Mercurio’s police drama could return for a seventh out, MailOnline examines some of the answers fans got to their burning questions, the mysteries that remain unsolved…
We want more! The sixth series of Line Of Duty came to its long-awaited conclusion on Sunday night, but its conclusion left viewers with more questions than answers
Answers! On Sunday fans finally learned that Superintendent Buckells was the famous fourth man, having liased with OCG’s to bring down officers who failed to do their bidding
The mysteries that have finally been solved…
Who is H?
It’s been a question posed by die-hard and casual fans alike, after years wondering about the identity of the fourth man known as H.
On Sunday fans finally learned that Superintendent Buckells was the famous fourth man, having liased with OCG’s to bring down officers who failed to do their bidding.
Despite painting himself as a bumbling fool, the copper actually formed a secret operation with an array of ‘bent coppers’ and even blackmailed Acting Superintendent Davidson thanks to her history with the group as Tommy Hunter’s daughter.
It appeared that AC-12 had caught him red-handed, especially as Steve dealt the fatal blow by revealing he had to co-operate to make him eligible for witness protection.
Hastings delivered the final line, declaring: ‘No one makes mugs of AC-12,’ before leaving the interview, with viewers later learning that Buckells would have to receive immunity, or none of the corruption evidence will be heard in court.
Upsetting: In a shocking bombshell last week Acting Superintendent Davidson learned that she was both the daughter and niece of OCG member Tommy Hunter, having previously been led to believe her father was little more than a bent copper
Who was the man Jo Davidson believed was her father?
In a shocking bombshell last week Acting Superintendent Davidson learned that she was both the daughter and niece of OCG member Tommy Hunter, having previously been led to believe her father was little more than a bent copper.
But, after Davidson is rescued by AC-12 from a group of OCG members who attempt to kill her, she finally admits the man she thought was her dad was former CS Patrick Fairbank, a retired officer thrown behind bars when it was revealed he both covered up and participated in abuse at a children’s home.
Once again, Fairbanks claims he cannot remember Davidson or her mother, insisting he doesn’t recall much of his own criminal past.
Luckily, it seems Davidson finally gets her happy ending after years under the control of the OCG, finding a new life in the countryside in Witness Protection.
Him? But, after Davidson is rescued by AC-12 from a group of OCG members who attempt to kill her, she finally admits the man she thought was her dad was former CS Patrick Fairbank
Who killed Gail Vella?
This mystery proved to be the crutch of the whole series, as fans waited to see whether they would finally learn who killed Gail Vella.
At last fans discovered that it was Carl Banks who had shot her after weapons discovered in a strong box hidden at the OCG’s workshop, meaning suspect Terry Boyle could be released.
Luckily it appeared that Vella’s death wasn’t completely in vain, as the episode’s end also revealed that Darren Hunter was now under investigation for Lawrence Christopher’s murder, though an official inquiry was yet to be opened.
What a relief! Fans feared that Steve could be struck off for failing a drugs test due to his painkiller addiction, and by the episode’s end it appeared that he was getting help with his superior Hastings’ support
Was Steve sacked for failing his drugs test?
For several weeks viewers saw Steve attempting to ignore multiple emails from Occupational Health after submitting to a mandatory drugs test.
Arnott had been struggled with a painkiller addiction to control his searing back pain from an injury suffered back in series four when he was attacked by one of the ‘Balaclava Men.’
The series six finale saw him finally sit down with the Health team who noted that while none of the drugs he’d taken were illegal, the high levels were concerning, and stated he may need a take a break from active duty.
To no surprise Steve refused, and insisted he must continue with his investigation, though he did agree to the possibility of surrendering his firearm.
Arnott then revealed his addiction to Hastings, who later implied he’d kept quiet about Steve to keep him on active duty adding he was grateful he was ‘getting some help.’
Revelations: Hastings also revealed that he gave £50,000 to Steph Corbett after inadvertantly causing the death of her husband John by revealing his undercover status to OCG member Lee Banks
By the series’ end, Steve hinted he may take a break from work to finally ditch the pills, but still appeared to be a fundamental part of the AC-12 team.
What happened to the £50,000 Ted gave to Steph?
After being given an envelope full of £100,000 in cash, fans had been wondering what happened to half of the money, when Steve discovered £50k in John Corbett’s widow Steph’s flat.
Probed by both Steve and Kate, who feared that the gaffer could be bent, Hastings insisted he only came clean about Corbett’s undercover status to Lee Banks, who later told Ryan Pilkington who killed him, in the hope he’d get back in contact.
He then revealed he gave Steph half the money in the hope it would clear his conscience, adding: ‘If there is one thing I could take back, it would be that. What a terrible thing I did.’
Alive or dead? Many fans were convinced that DI Marcus Thurwell could have been secretly living in Spain despite AC-12 being led to believe they’ve found his body last week, but it turned how he was definitely killed
Is Marcus Thurwell alive?
Many fans were convinced that DI Marcus Thurwell could have been secretly living in Spain despite AC-12 being led to believe they’ve found his body last week.
However, this turned out to be a huge red herring, as DC Bishop confirmed in the finale that Thurwell was definitely strangled to death, and his body had acutally been left for several weeks before being discovered by Spanish police.
It was a disappointing end to a character that had been tipped for big bombshells in the series as he was played by James Nesbitt.
Why him? Ahead of learning that Tommy Hunter was both her uncle and father, Davidson first appeared to pin the blame on Fairbank by simply confirming that her adopted dad was a ‘bent copper
And the questions that have been left unanswered….
Why did Davidson point the finger at Fairbank?
Ahead of learning that Tommy Hunter was both her uncle and father, Davidson first appeared to pin the blame on Fairbank by simply confirming that her adopted dad was a ‘bent copper.’
Arnott and Bishop then decided to speak to him upon learning he was part of the same team involved in Lawrence Christopher’s murder, but failed to get any answers due to his deteriorating mental state.
By the series’ end, viewers were still unsure why Davidson tried to blame her supposed father given she herself was being blackmailed, and how this all led to her a target for the OCG after being thrown behind bars.
Is it him? Despite the episode revealing that that Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells was actually the so-called ‘Fourth Man,’ some viewers were quick to note that he didn’t confirm whether he was the leader of the Organised Crime Group
Really? Instead, he pinned the blame on Tommy Hunter, who was killed back in series two, leaving many viewers unconvinced by his claim
Who is the REAL leader of the OCG?
Despite the episode revealing that that Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells was actually the so-called ‘Fourth Man,’ some viewers were quick to note that he didn’t wholly confirm whether he was the leader of the Organised Crime Group.
Instead, he pinned the blame on Tommy Hunter, who was killed back in series two, meaning Buckells’ claims seemed less and less likely.
So the question still remains of whether another corrupt officer or criminal is still pulling the strings in the OCG, and Buckells’ role as a middle-man means they could still be out to cause trouble for AC-12.
What will happen to AC-12?
Despite finally uncovering the identity of H through a long paper trail of corrupt officers, fans were surprised to learn the organisation’s powers had been significantly weakened.
Fleming hinted she’d be open to taking her job back alongside Arnott and Hastings, who vowed to appeal his forced retirement despite confessing to DCS Patricia Carmichael he’s revealed John Corbett’s identity as an Undercover Officer.
Steve hinted he may take a break from active duty to overcome his addiction to painkillers, despite he and Kate appearing closer than ever as she told Occupational Health that he was ‘the best.’
Despite a final shot of the AC-12 elevator showed the trio reunited as they travelled down the lift together, viewers are less hopeful on whether they’ll get to see them together again, especially as bosses have been tight-lipped on whether the show could return for a seventh series
Romance? Throughout the series viewers saw Steve form a close bond with John Corbett’s widow Steph, even spending the night in her bed after continuing to struggle with back pain
Will Steve get together with Steph, or Kate?
Throughout the series viewers saw Steve form a close bond with John Corbett’s widow Steph, even spending the night in her bed after continuing to struggle with back pain and his painkiller addiction.
But by the end of series six, he was clearly doubting whether to pursue a relationship with her, given how she lied about a vast sum of cash given to her by Hastings.
As series six concluded, it was clear that Steve and Kate had never been closer, as she described him as being ‘the best’ during a meeting with Occupational Health, and hinted she could be ready to return to AC-12.
Fans have long enjoyed the pair’s close friendship but perhaps series seven could lead to something more.
How was Steph involved?
Aside from the mystery £50k, fans are still in the dark about whether Steph could have any further involvement in the OCG, especially given her presence in the sixth series.
There were theories that she could have a secret Marcus Thurwell connection, but given her appearance in this finale stretched to little more than a voicemail, her appearance has left several unanswered questions.
What did she do? Aside from the mystery £50k, fans are still in the dark about whether Steph could have any further involvement in the OCG, especially given her presence in the sixth series
Who was it? Early in the finale, DC Bishop revealed that the report ordering Davidson’s transfer from her prison cell to Hillside Lane police station has been forged by an OCG, with a mystery member faking the signatures of both Kate and Lomax
Unsolved: Given Buckells was still in prison at the time, it was unclear who was behind the plot to have Davidson killed, as she clearly knew too much about the OCG, and whether it could have been another officer who ordered her death
Who forged Fleming’s and DS Chris Lomax’s signature?
Early in the finale, DC Bishop revealed that the report ordering Davidson’s transfer from her prison cell to Hillside Lane police station has been forged by an OCG, with a mystery member faking the signatures of both Kate and Lomax to gain access to her cell.
Given Buckells was still in prison at the time, it was unclear who was behind the plot to have Davidson killed, as she clearly knew too much about the OCG, and whether it could have been another officer who ordered her death.
Should we trust him? It’s possible that Chief Constable Osborne could be involved in the OCG have openly dismissed any claims of corruption on the force, even after AC-12 discovered H’s identity
Is Chief Constable Osborne bent?
For years CC Phillip Osborne has been a prime suspect in AC-12’s investigations of corruption, and it was revealed this series that he worked on the Lawrence Christopher murder case now-deceased Marcus Thurwell, and ‘H’ Buckells
In a televised conference, Osborne commended the work of his officers in locating Gail Vella’s murder, but once again dismissed any institutional police corruption as ‘an outrageous lie.’
Given he is clearly willing to dispel any credible leads AC-12 may have, it’s possible could be involved in an OCG, and may carry on doing their dirty work for years to come.
What will she do? She’s become one of the show’s most maligned characters, but viewers were left hoping that Carmichael had some glimmer of compassion after Hastings decided to make a confession
Will DCI Patricia Carmichael expose Hastings’ wrongdoing….
She’s become one of the show’s most maligned characters, but viewers were left hoping that Carmichael had some glimmer of compassion after Hastings decided to make a confession.
Clearly still a lawful man despite years working in corruption, Ted admitted that he did reveal to Lee Banks that there was someone working undercover in organised crime, indirectly leading to John Corbett’s death.
Carmichael simply asked: ‘What do you want me to do with that information?’ leading to one of Hastings’ best speeches yet, declaring: ‘Whatever you do, you do it because you carry the fire…’
As Hastings made his exit, Carmichael’s stoic expression hinted she is less keen to report him then viewers may think…
…. and will he succeed in appealing his forced retirement?
During his final meeting with Carmichal, Ted also revealed he is planning to appeal against being forced to retire from active duty, despite finally putting one of the team’s longest-serving mysteries to bed.
It was clear from the start that he wasn’t ready to step down, so it remains to be seen whether he’ll succeed in keeping his job, and AC-12, going strong to fight corruption another day.
Coming clean: Clearly still a lawful man despite years working in corruption, Ted admitted that he did reveal that John Corbett was working undercover in organised crime, indirectly leading to his death
Will there be a series seven?
It’s the question on every Line Of Duty fan’s lips following the finale, with the concluding episode ending on a somewhat cliffhanger.
BBC bosses are yet to confirm whether the show will be back for another outing, and even the show’s star Martin Compston stating this conclusion will be a ‘perfect ending.’
Fans will have to wait and see whether Line Of Duty will be back for another run, but it seems unlikely BBC will let the show go given its record-breaking viewership.
Source: Read Full Article
