Broadchurch finale: nation tunes in for cliffhanger ending

All will be revealed tonight Credit: ITV

Ten million viewers are expected to tune in to the final episode of Broadchurch tonight, when they'll find out who attacked Trish Winterman.

The third series will draw to a close after eight weeks of 'whodunnit' guessing as Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller (played by Olivia Colman) and DI Alec Hardy (played by David Tennant) close in on the attacker.

Olivia Colman and David Tennant will appear together in Broadchurch for the last time Credit: ITV

This series saw them lead an investigation into the rape of Trish Winterman (played by Julie Hesmondhalgh) in the fictional Dorset town.

The story centres on the rape of Trish Winterman, (Julie Hesmondhalgh) Credit: ITV

The makers of the drama have been praised by police and rape counsellors who have said they hope the storyline will encourage real-life victims to come forward.

VIDEO: Praise for Broadchurch's authentic portrayal of rape counselling

Viewers have also been moved by the harrowing scenes and have heaped praise on former Coronation Street actress Hesmondhalgh for her portrayal of the character.

The show's writer and creator, Chris Chibnall, told The Sun's TV Magazine that he did have second thoughts about ending the show.

So who did attack Trish Winterman? There's a long list of suspects, among them:

Trish's ex, Ian Winterman (played by Charlie Higson) Credit: ITV
Her best friend's husband Jim Atwood (played by Mark Bazeley) Credit: ITV
Trish's boss, shop owner Ed Burnett (played by Sir Lenny Henry) Credit: ITV
Cab driver Clive Lucas (played by Sebastian Armesto) Credit: ITV

...or of course, it could be someone completely different.

:: The final episode of Broadchurch airs on ITV on April 17 at 9pm.