Line of Duty fans were left saying the same thing over a wholesome reunion at the National Television Awards 2026. The BBC crime drama ran for six seasons, consisting of 36 episodes, from 2012 to 2021. The police procedural drama is considered one of the BBC’s biggest ever hits.
Receiving strong word of mouth after initially airing three seasons on BBC Two, where it was the station’s highest-rated series in 20 years, the next three seasons were moved to BBC One. Starring Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar, Line of Duty followed the fictional police force known as the Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12). Tasked with ‘policing the police’, the AC-12 were questioning at all times if they could trust anyone, including those in their teams.
Seventh series announced
It was announced earlier in the year that the gang are all coming back for a seventh series. The synopsis teases: "In series seven AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded the Inspectorate of Police Standards. Anticorruption work has never been more difficult and in this challenging climate Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) are assigned their most sensitive case so far.
"Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer winning plaudits for a string of takedowns of organised crime, is accused of abusing his position of trust to act as a sexual predator. But is Gough's case a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows?"
Joining the cast is Trainspotting’s Robert Carlyle as Detective Constable Shaun Massie, a Specialist Rifle Officer (SRO) and seasoned marksman, working alongside Tactical Operations Unit 7 to bring down Organised Crime Groups.
Surprise appearance at the NTAs
With anticipation growing by the day for the show’s future, Vicky, Martin and Adrian made a surprise appearance at the 2026 National Television Awards. The stars were at the ceremony, held at London’s O2, on Tuesday night (September 8) to present the Best New Drama award.
Vicky said: “Hello it is such a pleasure to be here this evening to celebrate the best of this year’s TV. To be here with my mates and present the award for new drama.” Martin added: “We are thrilled to be ruined and can’t wait to be back on your screens when Line of Duty returns for series 7.” Adrian then stated: “I’m interested in one thing and one thing only, the winner of the NTAS Best New Drama.”
In the end it was ITV drama I Fought The Law which picked up the award, beating A Woman of Substance, Believe Me, Heated Rivalry and The Other Bennet Sister. The series tells the story of Ann Ming, a woman who fought for 17 years to repeal the double jeopardy law after her daughter Julie was murdered in 1989.
Fans react on social media
Many flocked to Twitter, now known as X, following the moment to express their joy at the Line of Duty stars being together once again, with the show’s presenter Joel Dommett teasing that they’ve just finished filming.
@kha_lilah_ said: “MY LINE OF DUTY SHAYLAS #NTA2026.” @bestoflod added: “What a lovely surprise #NTAs.” @PopCReview wrote: “CAN. NOT. WAIT... until Line of Duty is back on my screen! Seeing these 3 has got me excited again!” @utdmiIIs stated: “LINE OF DUTY COMING BACK.” @Matt528chap commented: “The Line of Duty cast are in the building! @bestoflod #NTAS.” @Song_covers01 pointed out: “Joel got caught by wide lense taking a selfie with Line of Duty gang #NTA.”
