A Line of Duty blunder has revealed a famous new cast member for season six – with the BBC launching an urgent probe, according to reports.
A top actor will be joining the likes of Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar for Sunday’s episode, the fifth of the season’s six-episode run.
The Sun reports that the blunder was made by BBC Maestro, a service which sells online writing courses in close collaboration with the Beeb’s commercial arm, BBC Studios.
The publication chose not to name the celebrity so the episode isn’t spoiled for fans.
It reports that the actor’s face could be seen on a database being browsed by Martin’s Detective Inspector Steve Arnott, and that a scene starring the actor was later accidentally shown.
(Image: BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill)
After each episode airs, BBC Maestro shares clips from the show as writer and show creator Jed Mercurio narrates his thought process and how he puts pen to paper.
But it’s now thought that users were able to access the course for the upcoming fifth episode – including scenes featuring the new star.
Jed has been good-humoured about the slip-up, laughing to The Sun: “The outstanding detective work of eagle-eyed Line of Duty fans has been awarded a glowing commendation from the gaffer himself, Supt Ted Hastings.
(Image: BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill)
“Their call-up papers for AC-12 are in the post!”
But a source said that the Beeb feels it’s an “an embarrassing and humiliating blunder.”
“A lot of time and effort had gone into keeping the star’s role a secret,” the telly insider said.
“Line of Duty goes to a lot of trouble making sure nothing gets out to ruin the surprise for viewers — but the BBC has shot itself in the foot on this and broken its own embargo.”
Daily Star Online has contacted the BBC for comment.
*Line of Duty continues Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
