Filming for the new series of Line of Duty has been halted due to the Belfast riots, adding to a chaotic start that also included an injury to star Martin Compston and adverse weather conditions.
Martin Compston Injured on Set
Martin Compston, who plays Detective Inspector Steve Arnott in the popular BBC drama, required medical attention after being accidentally hit by an Airsoft gun during a scene. Airsoft guns are often used as firearm alternatives on cop shows. The actor was not seriously hurt, but the incident added to the production's early challenges.
Belfast Riots Force Filming Suspension
Production was forced to shut down when anti-immigration protests escalated into riots in Belfast. The violence was sparked after 30-year-old Sudanese national Hadi Alodid was charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie. Cast and crew had to seek safety. Adrian Dunbar, who plays Superintendent Ted Hastings, commented on the disruption: “We did have to pause for the riots and that wasn’t great. There’s a lot of stuff being stirred up in Ireland I think from outside the country at the minute and there’s a lot of social media stirred a lot of pots here.”
Weather Adds to Delays
In addition to the riots, bad weather has plagued filming. Dunbar told RTE Radio 1: “In between the showers it’s going pretty well, there’s a lot of showers coming in, we’re getting drenched to tell you the truth.” The constant rain has made outdoor scenes particularly difficult.
Seventh Series Plot Details
Line of Duty returns to BBC1 later this year for its seventh series, five years after the 2021 finale drew 17 million viewers to reveal the identity of the mysterious H. In the new series, the unit has been rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. The plot follows the team as they investigate Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer accused of being a sexual predator. However, Ted, Kate, and Steve suspect the case may be a distraction from a larger threat.
Creator Jed Mercurio on the Return
Series creator Jed Mercurio confirmed the return in November, stating: “Everyone involved in Line of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show’s fans. We’re privileged to have had so many of you follow the ups and downs of AC-12 over six previous seasons and we couldn’t be more delighted to be returning for a seventh.”
