Jed Mercurio Shuts Down Line Of Duty Fan Theory Ahead Of Finale

There's just a few short hours to go until we find out what is going on in Line of Duty.

But ahead of tonight's finale (2 May), the show's creator Jed Mercurio has shut down one of the wild fan theories doing the rounds of late.

Speaking to Craig Parkinson - who played dodgy Dot Cottan in the first three series - for his Obsessed with Line of Duty podcast, the writer responded to claims regarding Chloe Bishop's link to previous characters.

Over the past few weeks, fans of the show have become convinced that the junior member of AC-12 was related to Tony Gates, the slightly bent copper who was investigated by Superintendent Ted Hastings et al in the first series.

This is because she shares the same first name as one of Gates' daughters.

However, when asked by Parkinson whether there was any merit in this, or if it was just one of his infamous 'red herring' clues, Mercurio admitted that the idea was simply 'preposterous'.

He said: "Of course she's not."

BBC

So at least that's that one sorted.

Now we've just got to work out whether it's DSU Ian Buckells (unlikely), PCC Rohan Sindwhani, DCC Andrea Wise, DS Chris Lomax or Chief Constable Philip Osborne who is 'H'.

And even then, it could be someone completely different.

In a bid to keep track of the series and uncover the truth herself, one fan created a huge evidence board, much like that seen in It's Always Sunny, linking all of the clues together.

Katie Rogers, from Dorset, is so dedicated to the cause that she has watched each episode of the current series a whopping five times, taking down notes and analysing every scene.

And speaking to The Times, the 40-year-old said it has helped her spot things most would miss.

She said: "The show is so great and interactive.

Katie Rogers

"Over the last 12 months [of lockdown] we've got more and more disconnected and not been able to see people and this has brought us back together.

"I think I speak to my family twice as much since the show started compared to before."

In another interview with Metro, Katie admitted that she hasn't always been a fan of the show.

However, she says she was hooked as soon as she started, and just loves playing amateur detective.

"I joined it about series three and discussing theories just made me get more into the nitty gritty of it," she told the publication.

"I think when you watch another series, you have to watch it all from the very beginning again because it all ties up."

Topics: Entertainment, BBC, UK Entertainment, Fans, Line of Duty

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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