Line of Duty fans spot hidden clue that PROVES Marcus Thurwell isn't dead?

Marcus Thurwell Line of Duty
(Image credit: BBC)

Eagle-eyed Line of Duty fans have been paying close attention as always... *WARNING - SPOILERS FOR ALL EPISODES OF LINE OF DUTY SEASON 6 BELOW*

Line of Duty fans were left shocked last night as the penultimate episode of season 6 saw Marcus Thurwell killed off before he'd even made it onto our screens.

But is everything as it seems?

Marcus Thurwell, played by James Nesbitt, has only been seen in photographs as Steve Arnott and Chloe Bishop worked out his links to organised crime in episode 5.

Steve and Chloe in Line of Duty

Last night's Line of Duty was full of twists and turns (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: Steffan Hill)

Not only have AC-12 worked out that Thurwell has connections to past investigations like Sands Views, but he was also part of the Lawrence Christopher case which has now been linked to investigative journalist Gail Vella and her murder.

More: Line of Duty fans are all loving THIS iconic moment from tonight's episode  

When Jo was shown Thurwell's image during her interview in the interrogation room in episode 6 she appeared to recognise his face. But is that becasue he was the one calling the shots? Could he be H?

Where is Thurwell?

It was discovered that Thurwell had managed to avoid any questioning over his corrupt activity and escaped to sunny Spain for a new life.

But despite his location being found by the Spanish police, it appeared that it was too little too late when the police raided Thurwell's villa only to find the dead bodies of a man and a woman.

Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar), who was watching the drama over in Spain unfold on a computer screen with Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), took the news that Thurwell was dead particularly badly.

Ted was frustrated that another lead into who H could be, plus his chance to save his career, had been halted once again.

A red herring?

But what if Thurwell isn't dead? Could the body in the Spanish villa be a red herring?

Line of Duty Ted Hastings

Ted was left frustrated when it appeared Thurwell was a dead (Picture: BBC) (Image credit: BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill)

Fans have got a theory that Thurwell has faked his own death after finding out AC-12 were on to him.

They have even spotted that one of the police officers working on the raid of Thurwell's home looked suspiciously like actor James Nesbitt...

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So could Thurwell be found alive and well and brought in for questioning after all?

Or is Ted's career still going to be left hanging by a thread?

Line of Duty continues on Sunday nights at 9pm on BBC One. You can catch up on past seasons and missed episodes on BBC iPlayer

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.