The last season of Line Of Duty delivered a shock twist for fans of the show as menacing villain Balaclava Man was unveiled as the Balaclava Men.
In the new series the organised crime group Balaclava Men will continue to fuel speculation they are under the direct command of the shadowy figure known only as ‘H’.
Yet with multiple lawbreakers working with corrupt police officers there is no knowing who can be trusted.
Now, one of the men playing the masked bandit has finally been revealed as the BBC gear up for an explosive fifth season of the hit police drama.
Stephen Graham has been announced as the Balaclava Man, also known as John Corbett, and will work alongside actress Rochenda Sandall, who plays Lisa McQueen.
The two pivotal figures are key players in the criminal world, however, they will become persons of interest to AC-12 following an explosive chain of events.
Speaking about joining Line Of Duty, Stephen said: “It’s an honour to have been asked to be part of the Line Of Duty team.
“I’m especially looking forward to working with Martin Compston and Vicky McClure again.”
Echoing his remark, Rochenda added: “I am honoured to be working with such a talented team of people, and to be working side-by-side with Stephen Graham, who I have watched and admired onscreen since I was young.”
The pair with work alongside lead actress Vicky McClure, who portrays DS Kate Fleming, and hinted Bodyguard writer Jed Mercurio had something special in store for the latest series.
She teased: “Jed has without a doubt stepped it all up a gear this series. His writing just gets better and better.
“We have lots of great new cast members and I’m over the moon Stephen is on board, he’s a good friend and one of the finest actors. I’m already excited for the twists and turns to hit the screens.”
Meanwhile, actor Martin Compston, who plays the role of DS Steve Arnott, simply said the new series was “gonna be explosive”.
Bodyguard creator and writer Jed said he was thrilled to be working with actors such as Vicky again on Line Of Duty.
“After the hysteria surrounding Bodyguard, it’s a relief to be back in the day job,” 52-year-old Jed enthused.
“I’m delighted to be working with the old gang and welcoming our brilliant newcomers led by Stephen Graham and Rochenda Sandall.”
Filming for Line Of Duty season five is now underway in Belfast, Northern Ireland and is being produced by Ken Horn.
The series will be directed by John Strickland and Susan Tully, and was commissioned for BBC One by Charlotte Moore.
BBC will air six hour-long episodes of Line Of Duty series five next year.
Line Of Duty season 5 returns to BBC One in 2019.
