Vicky McClure has revealed the strict filming schedule for Line of Duty series 7, admitting the demanding timetable left little room for fun with her co-stars.
The actress reunited with Adrian Dunbar and Martin Compston for the new series, marking their first time on-screen together since the show ended in 2021. Filming for the upcoming season has now officially wrapped, with McClure speaking to The One Show presenters about working with her former colleagues again, reports the Mirror.
'Surreal' reunion for AC-12 trio
Asked what it was like working together after all this time, McClure told the BBC presenters it was 'surreal'. Although she explained that they have kept in touch over the years, which meant it was not unusual to be together, it was 'weird' to act alongside one another as they had to be 'really serious'.
Asked how she maintains composure on-set, given their close friendship, McClure revealed that the demanding timetable plays a crucial role. "The schedule is tight," she confirmed, adding that they did not have time to 'mess about'.
AC-12 rebranded for new series
A synopsis for the upcoming series reveals that AC-12 has now been disbanded and rebranded the Inspectorate of Police Standards. As anticorruption has 'never been more difficult' in the challenging climate, the trio are given their 'most sensitive case so far'.
In the upcoming series, fans will also see Robert Carlyle join the cast as Detective Constable Shaun Massie. His role is described as 'a Specialist Rifle Officer (SRO) and veteran marksman, operating with Tactical Operations Unit 7 (TO-7) to take down Organised Crime Groups'.
New characters join the force
While DC Shaun Massie is a 'gruff loner' who keeps himself to himself, things take a turn when his boss, TO-7's commanding officer DI Dominic Gough (Tom Weston-Jones), is accused of being a sexual predator, which results in Massie's otherwise detached demeanour changing drastically.
TO-7 will also feature Line of Duty newcomers Laura Aikman as DC Paula Beckman, Levi Brown as DC Luke Tobin, and Amy Leigh Hickman as DC Nira Rashid. The previous series of Line of Duty is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, and The One Show is available on the same platform.
