Line of Duty announced on Tuesday morning that the brilliant yet intimidating DCS Patricia Carmichael, leader of Anti-Corruption Unit 3, would be making a return to the show - and viewers can't wait to have actress Anna Maxwell Martin back on their screens.
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In true Line of Duty fandom style, a number of eagle-eyed fans have noticed a significant detail about the most recent glimpse of the character - and we can't help but think they're onto something.
A new image, released by the BBC, shows Anna in character as the Detective, and she bears a noticeable resemblance to DCI Jo Davidson with a number of nods to the guest lead including her hair and clothes.
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One person summed it up on Twitter: "Mother. Of. God. Roll neck jumper under jacket, hair tied back in a low bun, slight build but very fierce, I'm sure she reminds me of someone..."
A second person added: "Love her. Also this polo neck and blazer is a very strong motif this series. What does it mean?", which prompted a third to connect the dots, asking: "Is she Jo's sister??"
A fourth echoed this, picking up on DI Kate Fleming's love of a polo-neck. writing: "Aah Patricia is back and she's rocking a Kate polo neck... think I'm going to have to invest in one."
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© Photo: BBCWe can't wait to see Anna Maxwell Martin return to Line of Duty!
On the announcement of her reprisal, Anna herself gave a mention of her new look. She said in a statement: "Pat's back, I can't remember what she's doing there, nor would I be allowed to blab, but suffice to say she's got some new clobber and she's ready to bust some balls."
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As we know with Line of Duty, these small details are very much considered and nothing is ever a coincidence, but does it mean she has a more sinister connection to Jo? Or is it simply a red herring? We'll have to wait and see...
Viewers last saw Patricia Carmichael in series five when AC-3 was brought in to investigate Superintendent Ted Hastings as a potential member of a ring of corrupt police officers colluding with the OCG and a contender for a mysterious 'H'. It's safe to say when she's in the room, she means business!
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