Nesbitt threw TV fans a red herring over his BBC ‘role’
COLD Feet’s James Nesbitt told porky pies about being snubbed for a role on Line Of Duty as he was sworn to secrecy. Last night millions were shocked to see the Northern Irish actor appear as retired DCI Marcus Thurwell, who is suspected of covering up a racist murder and child sex abuse cases.
Just weeks ago, James, 56, (below) claimed that his pleas to join the BBC drama’s cast were ignored. He said: “Even though Line Of Duty had been shot here for years I was never considered for it, which has always slightly galled me.”
But it was all a ruse to keep his part in the sixth series hush-hush. Thurwell’s face flashed up on DI Steve Arnott’s computer last night – but the BBC is refusing to say whether the actor will appear in the flesh. The episode was packed with shockers as viewers discovered acting DS Jo Davidson (Kelly Macdonald, 45) was related to the late OCG leader and paedophile Tommy Hunter. And it ended with DI Kate Fleming (Vicky Mcclure, 37) facing bent copper Ryan Pilkington (Gregory Piper, 23) in a shoot-out.
Line Of Duty addicts have discovered TV listings that say of next week’s episode: “AC-12 struggle to deal with the repercussions of tragic events.”
To muddy the waters, show stars Vicky, Greg and Kelly are also all absent from next week’s credits. Actress Vicky teased on BBC Sounds podcast Obsessed With... Line Of Duty that show creator Jed Mercurio, 55, often kills off lead characters. She said: “Jed is always there to serve the story – it is exactly what happened with Dot Cottan. “Dot’s time came when it was right to serve the story and that is what Jed will always do.”