Sport Relief 2020: Line of Duty fans finally discover the true identity of ‘H’ in spoof


Line of Duty fans were thrilled to finally discover the true identity of H during a special sketch for Sport Relief.

DS Arnott, DI Fleming and Superintendent Hastings all returned to TV screens on Friday night for the latest installment of the detective drama.

And this time they were joined by guest stars Lee Mack as bumbling attorney David Rickman and Jason Isaacs as corrupt cop DC Taylor.

Return to the screens: Line of Duty fans were left in disbelief after discovering the true identity of H during a special episode for Sport Relief on Friday

In the lighthearted spoof, the trio from AC-12 sat down to interrogate DC Taylor, who they believed to be the key to discovering H’s true identity.

His bungling lawyer arrived a few minutes later only to thrust him deeper into suspicion as evidence continued to mount up against him. 

But DC Taylor eventually surrendered and said: ‘Fine. Fine. I can’t take this any more. Lock me up.’

Tough trio: DS Arnott, DI Fleming and Superintendent Hastings all returned for the latest installment of the detective drama as part of Sport Relief

Tough trio: DS Arnott, DI Fleming and Superintendent Hastings all returned for the latest installment of the detective drama as part of Sport Relief

Special: And this time they were joined by guest stars Lee Mack as bumbling attorney David Rickman (right) and Jason Isaacs as corrupt cop DC Taylor (left)

Special: And this time they were joined by guest stars Lee Mack as bumbling attorney David Rickman (right) and Jason Isaacs as corrupt cop DC Taylor (left)

He was  then carted away by the AC-12 team which left his attorney alone in the interview room.

David Rickman sat back, folded his arms and smugly declared: ‘All the loose ends tied up and now they will never know that I am H (not the bloke from Steps).

‘You don’t get to become the leader of the UK’s largest criminal organisation – based on Deptford High Street in a derelict warehouse, opposite the bakery, just round the corner from Nandos – without being exceptionally clever.’

He nodded slyly but was interrupted when DI Fleming stormed back into the room and said: ‘Sorry. I forgot to press stop on the tape. I’ll go and review it now.’

Big reveal: In the lighthearted spoof, the trio from AC-12 sat down to interrogate DC Taylor, who they believed to be the key to discovering H's true identity

Big reveal: In the lighthearted spoof, the trio from AC-12 sat down to interrogate DC Taylor, who they believed to be the key to discovering H’s true identity

Mr Rickman stared off into the distance and said ‘oops’ before the spoof came to an end.

Following the Sport Relief spoof, Line of Duty fans have taken to social media to urge for the dramas full-time return to TV screens. 

One user, @Gareth_Utd, wrote: ‘This sketch just reminds me how much I miss Line of Duty! Hope it’s back soon! #SportsRelief2020.’

Questions: His bungling lawyer arrived a few minutes later only to thrust him deeper into suspicion as evidence continued to mount up against him

Questions: His bungling lawyer arrived a few minutes later only to thrust him deeper into suspicion as evidence continued to mount up against him

Hurry back: Following the Sport Relief spoof, Line of Duty fans have taken to social media to urge for the dramas full-time return to TV screens

Hurry back: Following the Sport Relief spoof, Line of Duty fans have taken to social media to urge for the dramas full-time return to TV screens

Another, @1986_legend, said: ‘I usually hate sport relief specials for my favourite shows… but I loved that @Line_of_duty one.

‘Just got me in the mood for the new series.’

A third, @Victoria_Belk98, added: ‘Not to be over dramatic or anything but that Line of Duty sketch has just made my entire life #SportRelief2020.’     

The search for H in the popular BBC drama has spanned across the five series which first began in 2012.

H? The search for H in the popular BBC drama has spanned across the five series which first began in 2012

H? The search for H in the popular BBC drama has spanned across the five series which first began in 2012

It all started when corrupt officer DS Matthew Cottan was revealed to be working for notorious gangster John ‘Tommy’ Hunter.

An attack was later made on Hunter’s life while he was being transported by police convoy in an attempt to stop him revealing DS Cottan’s double life.

But DS Cottan was exposed as he died, semi-heroically, from a gunshot wound when he tried to protect DI Fleming from being shot by one of his associates.

A recording of his deathbed confession later came to light and revealed all of his criminal operations were guided by a corrupt officer whose name begins with H.

Mystery: AC-12 have been desperately trying to discover H's true identity ever since with suspicion even falling on Superintendent Hastings himself in the most recent series

Mystery: AC-12 have been desperately trying to discover H’s true identity ever since with suspicion even falling on Superintendent Hastings himself in the most recent series

AC-12 have been desperately trying to discover H’s true identity ever since with suspicion even falling on Superintendent Hastings himself in the most recent series.

The sixth installment of Jed Mercurio’s hit BBC thriller will premiere on the BBC later this year and is set to feature a brand new case for the team. 

Sport Relief’s bi-annual telethon aired on Friday despite concerns about the coronavirus pandemic that has seen many TV shows cancelled due to concerns over the outbreak.

Gary Lineker announced during the show that this year’s fundraiser would be donating a chunk of the money raised to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Match of the Day host told viewers: ‘These are extraordinary and unprecedented times, never have the vulnerable been more vulnerable than they are now.

‘We are already making sure that a chunk of what we raise will be going to those affected by coronavirus.’  

Charity: Gary Lineker announced during the show that this year's fundraiser would be donating a chunk of the money raised to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic

Charity: Gary Lineker announced during the show that this year’s fundraiser would be donating a chunk of the money raised to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic