The first four episodes have attracted larger audiences than any other programme on UK television this year, averaging 10.6 million viewers in seven-day four-screen consolidated figures.

Episode five, which aired on Sunday night, received the highest overnight figure for Line Of Duty ever, with an average of 7.9 million viewers and peak of 8.3 million.

Line Of Duty showrunner, Jed Mercurio, says: “We're thrilled and flattered by the amazing response to this series of Line Of Duty. On behalf of the whole production, I want to thank our viewers for their fantastic loyalty, and World Productions and the BBC for their unstinting support."

Simon Heath, executive producer for World Productions, says: “It’s testament to Jed’s brilliant writing and the best cast on British TV that the audience for Line of Duty has grown bigger with every series. A huge thanks to the BBC who took a chance on a small show in Birmingham back in 2011 and to everyone who’s supported us since“

Line Of Duty series five concludes this Sunday at 9pm on BBC One, with a feature length finale. All previous episodes of Line Of Duty are available on BBCiPlayer. Line Of Duty is made by World Productions for BBC One.