Line of Duty’s sixth series may have to be rewritten, says show’s creator Jed Mercurio 

Jed Mercurio says the sixth series of hit BBC cop drama Line of Duty may have to be rewritten due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Production on the upcoming season of the show had to be halted after just four weeks of filming due to the global health crisis.

Writer and producer Jed admitted they could have to scrap what they have already filmed and start over with new scripts.

Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show, Jed explained: ‘We’re all considering [a re-write]. 

‘We shot for four weeks in a pre-lockdown world, and all that material would have to be re-shot if we were going to change things. That would have huge cost implications, but we are considering it.’

Vicky McClure, who plays DI Kate Fleming, added: ‘I am [wanting to go back]. Even if it means re-shooting what we’ve already shot.’

Jed also revealed they had a small outbreak of the coronavirus on set, which they were able to keep under control with testing.

He added that a return to filming before next year is unlikely unless testing facilities are made widely available.

He explained: ‘The problem was when [testing] was abandoned by the Government, we were looking at a situation where we couldn’t apply that.

‘Nobody knows how this is going to unfold and we’ve just got to make sure everybody’s safe. I feel for a lot of the crew, it’s a difficult time when you’re out of work.

‘I want to get back as soon as we can, but that’s got to be when it’s safe. We’re not a show that is similar to the soaps where there’s a possibility of bringing the actual subject of corona into the storyline, where that could make it slightly easier for them to adapt to it, whereas it’s currently not in Line Of Duty’s world.

‘To be honest with you there’s a lot we can do within the industry, but until wider society has the public health infrastructure of test, trace and isolate in place it’s going to be very hard for anyone… 

‘I just don’t think, unless wider society has got the process right, we’ll be able to work in isolation.’ 

It comes after Vicky McClure enjoyed a brief reunion with her co-stars in a fun video chat last week.

The actress, 37, took to Instagram to share a snap from her online chat with co-stars Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar, along with series creator Jed.

Vicky clearly seemed to be missing her co-stars as she shared a glimpse of their video chat on social media.

She captioned her post: ‘LOD in lockdown. Missing this lot.’ 

Vicky – who plays DI Kate Fleming in the BBC police drama – also paid tribute to Martin on their joint birthday.

Sharing an on-set throwback snap with the actor – who plays DS Steve Arnott – she revealed they’re planning to throw a huge party to mark the occasion when lockdown is over.

Vicky wrote: ‘I mean who better to share my birthday with than my partner in crime!!!! @mrmartincompston.

‘We were planning a party with us being together filming @bbclineofduty but we’ll have an even bigger one now when we get back to it!

‘I can’t tell you how special today already is!! Feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Enjoy the sunshine everyone & Happy VE Day! Huge love to you all and stay safe.’

While Vicky is holed up in the UK, Martin is back home in Vegas with his wife Tianna, who hails from there and the rest of their family.