'Line of Duty' has become the UK's most-watched drama series of the 21st century.
Jed Mercurio
The hit show, created by Jed Mercurio, has overtaken 'Heartbeat' as the most-watched drama series after this year’s finale attracted an audience of 15.24 million people.
The previous record was set in 2000, when 15.16 million watched an episode of the long-running ITV show.
'Line of Duty' has in fact become the most popular TV drama series since March 1999, when ITV’s 'A Touch Of Frost' drew an audience of 15.83 million, according to the Daily Mail newspaper.
The show's success has led ITV Studios to strike a deal that will see series six of 'Line of Duty' air in China. The drama will also launch on Britbox in North America next week.
Julie Meldal-Johnsen, the executive vice president of global content at ITV Studios, said: "'Line of Duty' is a phenomenon and we’re delighted to be able to take the show to an even wider audience as a result of these sales.
"It’s great that fans everywhere from Finland to China will be able to watch this thrilling season of the show. I’m sure there will be more countries on the horizon too, which can only be a good thing for audiences across the globe."
Meanwhile, 'Line of Duty' fans are being offered the chance to buy an AC12 HAS number plate for £1,200.
According to The Sun newspaper, owner Kenny Connor has put the registration - which is a reference to the AC-12 anti-corruption unit and the abbreviation of Ted Hastings' surname - up for sale.
Elsewhere, Adrian Dunbar - one of the stars of the show - is auctioning his jacket from the series to raise money for children’s projects in Kenya and Malawi.
The listing explains: "Adrian Dunbar’s official series six AC12 cast puffer jacket - what more can we say?
"Made by Result Urban, size large. Adrian has kindly donated this item for auction.
"A certificate of authenticity will be provided to the winning bidder."