Line of Duty series 3: Viewers praise 'frightening and fantastic' Daniel Mays
FANS of police drama Line of Duty have been taking to social media in their droves to praise the show as it made its return tonight after two years off the screen.
The cast of Line of Duty
Viewers were thrown straight into the thick of it with a brand new case of corruption within the force, which followed crooked copper Daniel Waldron, played by Atonement star Daniel Mays.
The shady copper was seen doing some very dodgy dealing as he covered up a murder, before audiences were offered up motives for his behaviour.
Many lauded Daniel on Twitter for his performance as the damaged police sergeant, with one person describing him as "frightening and fantastic".
Another person said: "#lineofduty wow! Exceptional writing and outstanding performance by @danielmays9 absolutely amazing. Can't wait til next week."
Line of Duty- Series 3 Trailer
AC-12 are back on the case
How was that for a belting 1st Ep?! Thanks so much for your lovely messages. Unbelievable writing from the ace Jed Mercurio #LineOfDuty
— Daniel Mays (@DanielMays9) March 24, 2016
Truly outstanding performance #danielmays #LineOfDuty. Congratulations!
— Melanie Curtis (@DanceMelc) March 24, 2016
Yes #LineOfDuty is back and still as brilliant as ever. Superb acting @DanielMays9 - you're on fire @BBC with some terrific dramas this year
— Trish Hetherington (@Tinks130) March 24, 2016
Awful waiting one week ! That's too long, we're too impatient nowdays with #bingewatching being the norm #LineOfDuty https://t.co/COuW44it71
— Barbarella (@cobarbarella) March 24, 2016
Will Mellor in Line of Duty series 3
Thanks so much for your lovely messages. Unbelievable writing from the ace Jed Mercurio
"Truly outstanding performance #danielmays #LineOfDuty. Congratulations!" said someone else.
"Yes #LineOfDuty is back and still as brilliant as ever. Superb acting @DanielMays9 - you're on fire @BBC with some terrific dramas this year," tweeted one fan.
Actor Danny also took to Twitter to thank people for their compliments: "How was that for a belting 1st Ep?! Thanks so much for your lovely messages. Unbelievable writing from the ace Jed Mercurio #LineOfDuty."
The cast of Line of Duty
Previous series of the show have featured Keeley Hawes, Jessica Raine and Gina McKee.
The Jed Mercurio drama has received a slew of nominations, including a Bafta nod for Best Drama and going on to win in the same category at the Royal Television Society Awards.
Line of Duty is on BBC Two on Thursdays at 9pm.