It has been confirmed that a sixth series of Love/Hate is in development but it will not be aired next year. Jane Gogan, Head of Drama at RTÉ, has said that while plans are being made for season six, a reflection period is needed before production starts. "A sixth series is currently in development with the writer and creator Stuart Carolan and Octagon Films." "It's just a week since the series finale aired and RTÉ, the producers and Stuart feel it's important to take time and reflect before going to production with a sixth season. "As a public service broadcaster RTÉ's principal concern is always the audience and the creative dynamic of a drama and we all want to ensure the writing, preparation and production of a subsequent series mirrors the high standards Love/Hate viewers have come to expect over the past five seasons" said Ms Gogan. The show has lost a number of big characters It is unlikely that Nidge, played by Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, will return to the show after his character was shot a number of times in the explosive season five finale. However, in an interview with Campus.ie this week, Stuart Carolan said it was possible for the show to survive without him. “We’ve always lost big characters. It’s happened all the way through. We’ve lost Darren, John Boy. Every time we lose somebody that big, it’s difficult, but we’re without Darren for two series now".