SPOILER ALERT: Broadchurch's Mark Latimer appears to take his own life in final explosive series as he films at a lake in Clevedon

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The cast have been filming the third and final season of ITV thriller Broadchurch since May.  

But perhaps the most explosive storyline yet was filmed on Wednesday night as beloved father Mark Latimer, played by Andrew Buchan, appeared to take his own life on the show. 

Taking to Lake Marine in Clevedon, Somerset, the actor was seen floating motionless in the water as he filmed the dramatic scene late at night.

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Spoiler alert! Beloved father Mark Latimer appeared to take his own life while filming dramatic scenes for ITV's Broadchurch on Wednesday night

Dramatic: Played by actor Andrew Buchan, the actor was seen floating motionless in the water as he filmed the dramatic scene at Lake Marine in Clevedon

Shooting for the show, the character was seen setting out to sea in his yellow boat 'The Old Boiler'.

Sitting in deep thought for a few moments under the cover of darkness, the actor then clambered over the side of the boat into the cold deep. 

He was then spotted lying motionless in the open water, with his eyes closed.  

Setting the scene: The character was seen setting out to sea in his yellow boat 'The Old Boiler'

Reminiscing: The father of murdered Danny Latimer sat in deep thought for a few moments under the cover of darkness

Taking the plunge: The actor then clambered over the side of the boat into the cold deep

Andrew Buchan's character Mark plays the father of Danny Latimer on the series, who was tragically killed in the show's first episode.

In Broadchurch's usual mysterious style, it remains unknown whether Mark is attempting to take his own life, or whether he survives the plunge.

His fate was further put into question during filming when he was spotted lying in the water with his eyes open - unclear whether the cameras were rolling or not.  

Dead? He was then spotted lying motionless in the open water, with his eyes closed

Or alive? His character's fate was further put into question when he was spotted lying in the water with his eyes open - unclear whether the cameras were rolling or not

Mystery: In Broadchurch's usual mysterious style, it remains unknown whether Mark is attempting to take his own life in the filming

However if implications of his suicide are to be true, the character will only fuel further drama in the series. 

Having embarked on an affair in the previous seasons with local hotel owner Becca Fisher, the father would leave behind his mourning, estranged wife Beth, played by Jodie Whittaker.

He would also leave his two children - 16-year-old Chloe, played by Charlotte Beaumont, and their new baby, born in series two.

Getting the shot: Andrew posed as Mark in the murky water for the spooky scene

Causing chaos: If implications of his suicide are to be true, the character will only fuel further drama in the series

The cast have been filming the third and final season of the ITV thriller since May.

It was revealed on Tuesday that Casualty actress Sunetra Sarker would be joining the cast, having been spotted filming in Clevedon with star Jodie Whittaker.  

Doctor Who star David Tennant, 45, was spotted last month on West Bay, Dorset filming a tender moment with his on-screen daughter Daisy, played by Hannah Rae.

Meanwhile leading lady Olivia Colman - who plays DS Ellie Miller - was also on location and was filming on the beach with Arthur Darvill, as Rev. Paul Coates.

Devoted dad: Mark, if he does commit suicide, will leave behind his wife Beth and two children, including his newborn baby 

Deep into character: Mark was sopping wet as he emerged himself in the water for the scenes, helped by the camera crew

The original cast will be joined by Sir Lenny Henry and Roy Hudd for the latest eight-part installment of the series.

In their latest outing the daring duo will take on a brand new case, following a serious sexual assault.

Producers have been researching the ins and outs of the plot for a year, and have worked closely with local organisations and police to truly get to grips with the emotional strain a crime like the one featured has on the victims, friends and family involved. 

Taking a break: Andrew took a break on set, having been filming for the new series since May

Bit chilly? Andrew warmed up on set after his dip with a coffee and wrapped himself in a thermal blanket

Writer of the new series Chris Chinball, said: 'We have one last story to tell, featuring both familiar faces and new characters.

'I hope it's a compelling and emotional farewell to a world and show that means so much to me.'

Producer Jane Featherstone, added: 'Broadchurch has been an important part of my life and I am so delighted and privileged to be working with Chris and the team again as we embark on the very final series. 

The beloved murder mystery series first hit screens in March 2013, hooking viewers as it explored the murder of Danny Latimer across an explosive eight episodes. 

High drama: The show's explosive storyline comes as the writer Chris Chinball expresses his hope for a 'compelling and emotional farewell' in the third series

It returned for a second season in January 2015 - although not to the success of the first, with many viewers frustrated at its court scene inaccuracies and more 'boring' storyline.

Yet, the show an average audience of more than 9million viewers across the two-series, including those who watched via catch-up services.

The ITV drama also garnered multiple awards, scoring Best Drama Series and Best Actress for Olivia Colman at the 2014 BAFTA Awards. 

Thriller: The beloved murder series starring David Tennant hit screens in March 2013, hooking viewers as it explored the murder of Danny Latimer, before returning for a second in 2015