DELIGHTED Chris Chibnall said he has been ‘gobsmacked’ by the runaway success of his Broadchurch crime drama.

The hit show has racked up average ratings of 9.5million per episode as viewers tune in to the West Bay-based thriller.

Chris, who lives in Bridport, said the popularity of the prime time show smashed expectations of all involved.

“Gobsmacked is the headline word,” he said.

“You never know how a show is going to do.

“We were proud of it and had a really good time making it. It was fantastic filming in West Bay.

“Everybody was so supportive and there was such a lovely atmosphere.”

He added: “To see it go out and for people to come on board in such a way and even have bookmakers place odds is overwhelming.”

Chris’s comments come as the penultimate episode of the prime time drama hits our screens tonight after a dramatic end to last week’s show.

Menacing Susan Wright is still in for questioning but the suspicion for the murder of young Danny Latimer is shifting towards Joe Miller and his son Tom.

Chris has described Broadchurch as a love letter to West Dorset as the cliffs and harbourside provide a dramatic backdrop for the series.

Chris said: “It is so connected to Dorset.

“The landscape is such a vital part of it and the sense of community.”

Broadchurch has scored ratings of just under seven million viewers on a Monday night but has been bumped up to an average of 9.5million when ‘watch again’ viewings on the internet and TV recordings are taken into account.

Chris wouldn’t reveal any clues to the murderer’s identity and said that the show was not written with a second series in mind but wouldn’t be drawn much further.

He said viewers would need to watch right until the end.

He added: “I would very much like to thank everyone who was so patient during the filming and for watching.

“The whole team, cast and crew are so thrilled with the response.”

The seventh and penultimate episode of Broadchurch airs on ITV tonight at 9pm and the final episode is on Monday April 22.

Celebrity fans of the hit Dorset whodunnit

BROADCHURCH has also notched up a string of celebrity fans including comedian Alan Carr and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly.

Dorset Echo:

Many stars have taken to Twitter to profess their love of the drama.

Funnyman Carr, who lived in Weymouth as a child, tweeted: “Let’s all go to Broadchurch and do our own investigation! Yay. Move over Tennant.”

Other fans include presenters Jenni Falconer, Lorraine Kelly, Richard Osman and Richard Madeley as well as Ant and Dec.

Jenni said: “I’m still none the wiser as to whodunnit in Broadchurch although I wouldn’t walk Pauline Quirke’s dog even if it is cute.”

Billie Faiers, of The Only Way is Essex, tweeted: “No, why does it have to end!!!!”

Broadcasters Dave Vitty and Eddie Mair are fans as well as singer Michael Ball and actress Daniella Westbrook.