The BBC has confirmed that Line of Duty will move to BBC One for its fourth season next year.

Written and created by Jed Mercurio, the police corruption drama launched on BBC Two in June 2012 and the third season concluded last month with 5.6 million viewers; the highest-rating BBC Two drama series ever since current measuring system began in 2002.

Charlotte Moore, BBC Controller of TV Channels and iPlayer, has also announced the commission of a fifth season.

Moore commented: “Line of Duty is original, bold, gripping drama that gets the nation talking and the time is right to bring the series to an even broader audience on BBC One. Jed Mecurio’s explosive thriller will find a new home on BBC One for two more series and create room for new drama to flourish on BBC Two. Thanks to Jed, Simon Heath’s World Productions, and Stephen Wright at the BBC for producing the record-breaking show.”

Writer Jed Mercurio added: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the extremely flattering response to series three. Much of the credit should go to our brilliant cast and crew and to Simon Heath and Priscilla Parish at World Productions. We’re deeply grateful for the unstinting support we receive from Charlotte Moore, Stephen Wright and the whole BBC team. It’s an immense privilege to be able to reward Line Of Duty fans with two more series on BBC One.”

> Buy Season 3 on DVD on Amazon.

> Buy the complete Season 1-3 box set on Amazon.

Simon Heath, World Productions, said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better response to series three, and it’s testament to Jed’s brilliant writing, and a fantastic cast, that the BBC have handed us two further series on BBC One. A big thank you to Charlotte Moore, Stephen Wright and all in the BBC team who have supported and nurtured the show over the last five years.”

> Read our new interview with Jed Mercurio, looking back over Season 3.

Are you looking forward to Season 4? Let us know below…