With two episodes left in Line Of Duty series 5, it’s somewhat surprising that a new actor is being added to the cast. But they are: Anna Maxwell Martin has signed up for a part, and we’ve got all the info right here…

TV Wise reports that Anna Maxwell Martin – who we’ve previously seen in And Then There Were None and The Bletchley Circle – will appear in this Sunday’s episode and the finale the following Sunday.

The actress is playing a character named Detective Chief Superintendent Patricia Carmichael, an anti-corruption specialist that’s being brought in from outside AC-12.

It hasn’t taken long for fans to realise that this new character is one rank senior to Ted Hastings. Could this mean that Patricia is being brought in to help Steve and Kate question their boss? This press photo certainly seems to suggest that the three will be working together…

“I’ve been a fan of Line of Duty for years,” said Anna Maxwell Martin in an official quote, “so was dead chuffed to be part of series five. I’m so pleased I no longer have to keep it a secret! I feel honoured to follow in the footsteps of the host of great actors who make up the Line of Duty family, and Jed Mercurio – of course – has written a brilliant character in Carmichael. She’s a woman on a mission.”

We’ll keep bringing you Line Of Duty news as we hear it. Don’t forget, series 6 is already confirmed to be on the way…