After a four-year wait that left millions of fans on tenterhooks, the BBC has officially confirmed the return of its blockbuster police drama, Line of Duty, for a seventh series set to air in 2025.
A New Chapter for AC-12
The beloved trio of Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure, and Martin Compston will reprise their iconic roles as Superintendent Ted Hastings, DI Kate Fleming, and DI Steve Arnott. However, the unit fans have followed for years is undergoing a significant transformation. The fictional anti-corruption unit AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards.
This new series will thrust the team into their most sensitive investigation yet, set against a backdrop where anti-corruption work within the police force is more challenging than ever. The central case involves Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer celebrated for dismantling organised crime networks, who stands accused of using his position as a sexual predator. Ted, Kate, and Steve must determine if this high-profile accusation is a genuine case of misconduct or a sophisticated smokescreen designed to distract from a far greater threat.
Cast and Creator Express Their Excitement
Creator and writer Jed Mercurio expressed his gratitude to the show's dedicated fanbase. He stated, "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." Mercurio also quipped about the creative challenge, noting, "Corruption in this country is supposed to have come to an end while Line of Duty was off air so I’ve been forced to use my imagination."
The lead actors shared their enthusiasm for returning to the roles that have defined their careers. Martin Compston, who plays Steve Arnott, said, "Line of Duty has been a job of a lifetime. Not only in terms of the show's success but the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with I now call some of my closest friends. I can’t wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together."
Vicky McClure echoed this sentiment, adding, "It goes without saying I’m so excited Line of Duty is back - can’t wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we’ll see you soon!" Adrian Dunbar, who plays the legendary Ted Hastings, also expressed his delight, teasing "those mercurial twists and turns" that fans can expect.
Looking Back at a Record-Breaking Drama
The confirmation brings closure to the long wait that began after the 2021 finale divided its audience of 17 million viewers. That episode revealed Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells, played by Nigel Boyle, as the elusive 'H' after a crucial spelling mistake exposed him. While some fans were disappointed by this revelation, the finale was also praised for its tense prison van shoot-out and its resolution of the series' long-running mysteries.
First airing in 2012, Line of Duty, created by former doctor Jed Mercurio and produced by World Productions, became the most-watched UK drama since modern records began in 2002. Its success has been bolstered by a string of high-profile guest stars including Kelly Macdonald, Keeley Hawes, and Thandiwe Newton.
Filming for the new series is scheduled to begin next year in its longtime home of Belfast. BBC drama chief Lindsay Salt summed up the anticipation, stating, "I’m so pleased that after four long years Line of Duty will be back filming soon and can’t wait for BBC viewers to be back on the edge of their seats."
