Anna Maxwell Martin Would Return to 'Line of Duty' 'in a Heartbeat'

Martin's character, Detective Superintendent Patricia Carmichael, was a controversial figure in the show's sixth series.

Anna Maxwell Martin has said she would return to 'Line of Duty' "in a heartbeat" after her character was killed off in the show's sixth series.

Martin played Detective Superintendent Patricia Carmichael in the BBC crime drama, who was a controversial figure among fans.

Speaking to The Sunday Times, Martin said she was "gutted" to leave the show, but understood why her character had to die.

"I would go back in a heartbeat," she said. "I loved playing Carmichael. She was a really complex character and I felt like I was just getting started with her."

Martin's character was killed off in the show's sixth series after she was shot by a corrupt police officer.

Her death was a shock to many fans, who had grown to love her character despite her flaws.

However, Martin said she believes it was the right decision for the show.

"I think it was the right time for Carmichael to go," she said. "She had served her purpose and it was time for the show to move on."

Despite her character's death, Martin said she is still a big fan of 'Line of Duty' and will continue to watch the show.

"I'm so proud of the show and what it's achieved," she said. "It's a brilliant piece of television and I'm so grateful to have been a part of it."

Martin's comments come as 'Line of Duty' is set to return for a seventh series.

The new series will see Martin's former co-star Martin Compston reprise his role as Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott.

It is not yet known whether any other former cast members will return for the new series.