The secret is out! West Dorset could finally breathe again after tonight’s finale episode of Broadchurch revealed who did kill Danny Latimer.

And ITV has just confirmed that it has commissioned a second Broadchurch series.

But viewers who have not had the chance to watch the programme should read no further, if they don’t want to know the outcome.

Anticipation had reached fever pitch in Bridport and West Bay as “Broadies”, as fans of the ITV drama have been dubbed, sat transfixed as the murder mystery reached a heart-stopping conclusion.

And in local screenings and in living rooms, the twists and turns of plot raised ooohs, aaahs and a few lumps in the throat.

Viewers agreed that some of the most stunning scenes of the West Dorset coastline had been left for the last, poignant episode where the scenery around West Bay provided a breathtaking backdrop to the emotional drama played out on the screen.

At the Ellipse Caffe in West Bay, where much of the series was filmed a sell-out charity whodunnit dinner – The Last Supper – was packed for pizza and a screening in aid of Julia’s House children’s hospice.

Ellipse owner Steve Tucker paid tribute to the series for taking West Bay to a worldwide audience.

“It is bigger than who shot JR in Dallas,” he said.

“It is just brilliant for West Bay and it has gone crazy here, absolutely crazy.”

Guests were asked to make a donation for their meal in return for the chance watch the drama unfold on TV just minutes from the real-life beach where Danny’s body found and where some scenes were filmed.

Julia’s House ambassador Jill Howell received a cheque for £260 and the proceeds of a sweepstake for which nobody guessed the correct ending.

And at the Bull Hotel in Bridport where many of the cast and production team stayed during filming, there was also a showing.

Meanwhile writer and executive producer Chris Chibnall who lives in Bridport was relieved the secret was out but vowed he would say nothing more.

“It's all in the programme itself,” he said.

SPOILER ALERT - So who did kill Danny Latimer?

It was indeed Joe Miller, husband of the unsuspecting Det Sgt Ellie Miller, as many people suspected. He had been having a relationship with the dead boy for reasons left unclear and strangled him when the boy threatened to end it.

Tom Miller, his son, had fallen out with his former best friend because he had been rejected and had nothing to do with his death.