THE first episode of Line Of Duty's fifth series has become the most-watched programme on British television this year with an audience of 13.2 million, according to data from the BBC.

Showrunner Jed Mercurio said: "We're thrilled and flattered by the amazing response to this series of Line Of Duty.

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"On behalf of the whole production, I want to thank our viewers for their fantastic loyalty, and World Productions and the BBC for their unstinting support."