'I wept as I wrote it!' Broadchurch writer promises a 'dark and emotional' end to the ITV drama on Easter Monday... and admits he feels regret at making season 3 the last

Published: 02:06 BST, 15 April 2017 | Updated: 05:27 BST, 15 April 2017

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Easter Monday will see the latest horrific crime to sweep through the coastal town of Broadchurch finally solved.

And after three epic series, all very different and all extremely unsettling, writer Chris Chibnall was sure to feel a spec of dread facing the mammoth task of ending things appropriately.

But the 46-year-old - whose next task sees him taking over Doctor Who at the BBC - has admitted feeling pangs of regret over the decision to make Broadchurch season three the last.

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'I wept as I wrote it!' Broadchurch writer promises a 'dark and emotional' end to the ITV drama on Easter Monday... and admits he feels regret at making season 3 the last

'I felt like a bit of an idiot,' he told The Sun. 'I was like: Why am I saying goodbye to David [Tennant] and Olivia [Colman] and all these brilliant people? But I didn’t have another story to tell in this world and I think it’s nice to go out on such strong form.'

The screenwriter added that he was caught off guard by the 'groundswell of affection for the show this year' following season two's generally less warm reception.

And while this has been nice for him, it's potentially left him wondering what could have been.

He has assured, however, that Trish Winterman's [played by Julie Hesmondhalgh] rape story-line will be wrapped up adequately, and that the finale episode will also draw on past elements to where the series started in season one.

Concluding chapter: Trish Winterman's [played by Julie Hesmondhalgh, pictured] rape story-line will be wrapped up adequately, and the finale episode will also draw on past elements to where the series started in season one

More to come? The remorse Chris has expressed in bringing Broadchurch to an overall conclusion has left him with a twinkle in his eye where any potential reboot is concerned

'Sitting down to write the final episode was very emotional and I admit I actually had a bit of a weep doing it. There is pressure with every script, but I am really proud of the final episode.'

The scribe promised a dark end to the show, but also a satisfying one which will wrap up the Broadchurch saga. He also revealed that only about five people knew who the culprit of the series was during filming.

He admitted that he didn't even tell his family, explaining that he's enjoyed experiencing his wife and son watching the show with him each week, finding out what happens next while he sits in the room.

Whodunnit? The scribe promised a dark end to the show, but also a satisfying one which will wrap up the Broadchurch saga. He also revealed that only about five people knew who the culprit of the series was during filming

The remorse Chris has expressed in bringing Broadchurch to an overall conclusion has left him with a twinkle in his eye where any potential reboot is concerned.

'Who knows? It’s certainly the end for now, but if I have a story and I can convince David and Olivia to come back… ask me again in 10 years!' he said.

Broadchurch concludes on Easter Monday at 9pm in ITV.