Line of Duty season 5 pulls in 8m viewers for the show’s highest ratings yet — with Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar all returning

LINE of Duty drew eight million viewers on its return — its highest ratings so far.

The BBC One cop drama is on track to beat last year’s big hit Bodyguard in the telly charts.

Episode one of Line of Duty series five had a peak audience of 8.04million — with 4.5million more expected on catch-up.

Bodyguard, also written by Jed Mercurio, pulled in 6.9million for its debut and only topped eight million in the penultimate episode.

A source said: “Bosses are blown away by Line of Duty’s success. They knew it had a huge following, but didn’t expect this response.”

The Sunday night show follows an anti-corruption unit. Stephen Graham made his debut on Sunday as a cop apparently gone rogue while undercover. Regulars Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar returned.

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk