
*Warning: This article contains spoilers from Happy Valley series 3, episode 5.*
Sarah Lancashire was responsible for persuading Sally Wainwright to alter the conclusion of Happy Valley, as reported by James Norton.
The finale of the excellent police drama will air on Sunday night, and the teaser promises an epic showdown between Sergeant Catherine Cawood of Lancashire and her sworn enemy Tommy Lee Royce (Norton).
The former Corrie actress was among the first to read the script for the last episode, and she shared her opinions with Norton.
‘We had one version of the end that didn’t feel quite right,’ Norton told The Big Issue. ‘Sally knew it and Sarah spoke up and said it doesn’t feel right.
‘A month later, we got a new script and it all fell into place. It was magical.’

The actor also stated that if it were up to him, Happy Valley would “keep going” since he is not ready for it to stop.
‘But deep down I’m with Sally. This is the right call. So I hope the ending doesn’t disappoint,’ he added.
The actors reportedly shot alternate endings so that not even they would know the final outcome until the viewers at home did.
However, Rhys Connah, who plays Ryan Cawood, said that’s “not accurate,” though they did shoot alternate endings.
Fans’ speculations on Twitter and Facebook range from Neil being Tommy’s biological father to Ryan’s sinister plans to destroy Tommy.
After Tommy’s admission that he intended to kill Catherine before fleeing with Ryan, everyone’s major concern has been for her safety.
Will he succeed?
Happy Valley concludes Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.