Jed Mercurio has pinpointed when Line of Duty will finish up on TV.
The police drama’s creator and writer revealed hopes discussions with the BBC will begin once the current, fifth series has aired.
A sixth series of the crime thriller starring Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar has already been ordered by the Beeb.
But Jed, 53, hopes the critically-acclaimed ratings hit will come to an end following a seventh series.
Read more: Joan Collins thanks rescuers as she escapes ‘terrifying’ blaze at her home in London
Speaking at the BFI and Radio Times Television Festival, Jed indicated knowing there would be future instalments after series six would help the show’s intricate plotting.
He said: “Once series five has finished airing we’ll have a conversation with the BBC, with a view to whether there’s a possibility to series seven being commissioned. But we definitely know we’ve got series six.
“The only reason is that there are a lot of loose ends to tie up, and we couldn’t take the risk of getting it commissioned later on.
“So if we didn’t know that we could go beyond this series, then we would have to approach it in a way that concluded things.”
Read more: The Chase’s Mark Labbett ‘approached by Strictly and I’m A Celeb bosses’
Jed – who has also written Tv favourites Bodyguard, Bodies and The Grimleys – also teased the identity of mysterious and corrupt copper ’H’ could change.
Many viewers puzzling over who ‘H’ reckon Superintendent Ted Hastings could prove the ultimate villain of the piece.
But Jed told the BFI audience he would be willing to switch things up if he comes up with a better idea.
Actor Adrian – who plays Hastings – recently hinted his character could be in the frame after revealing last minute script changes were made during the previous series that seemed to suggest AC-12’s charismatic top man may not be as benevolent as he seems.
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.