Line of Duty Fans Ecstatic as Creator Jed Mercurio Unveils Behind-the-Scenes Look at Season 7
Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio has thrilled fans by sharing a behind-the-scenes photograph from the filming of the BBC crime drama's highly anticipated seventh series. The image features Adrian Dunbar in character as Superintendent Ted Hastings, offering a tantalising glimpse into the new episodes set to air next year.
Return of Beloved Characters and Intriguing New Plot
The BBC has confirmed that Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar will all reprise their iconic roles as Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings respectively. The series, which originally launched in 2012 and was believed to have concluded in 2021, makes its dramatic comeback with AC-12 disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards.
The synopsis reveals: "In series seven, anticorruption work has never been more challenging. Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings are assigned their most sensitive case yet involving Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer accused of abusing his position as a sexual predator. The central question remains whether Gough's case serves as a deliberate distraction from a larger threat operating in the shadows."
Star-Studded Cast Additions and Returning Faces
The ensemble cast welcomes acclaimed guest star Robert Carlyle as Detective Constable Shaun Massie, a Specialist Rifle Officer working with Tactical Operations Unit 7 to dismantle Organised Crime Groups. Carlyle described his character as "an extraordinary character" and expressed his delight at joining "such an exceptional cast."
Tom Weston-Jones portrays the controversial DI Dominic Gough, while Gavin and Stacey actress Laura Aikman joins as DC Paula Beckman. Additional new cast members include Levi Brown as DC Luke Tobin and Amy Leigh Hickman as DC Nira Rashid.
Returning characters include Mark Bonnar as former Deputy Chief Constable Mike Dryden, Owen Teale as Chief Constable Philip Osborne, Perry Fitzpatrick as DS Chris Lomax, and Christina Chong as DI Nicky Rogerson, ensuring continuity for dedicated viewers.
Filming Underway in Belfast with Classic Hastings Moment
Mercurio shared the behind-the-scenes image from filming in Belfast, showing Adrian Dunbar dressed in police uniform as Superintendent Ted Hastings looking out over a busy office. The creator accompanied the photograph with one of Hastings' most famous quotes: "There's only one thing I'm interested in and one thing only and that's bent coppers."
Fans responded with overwhelming enthusiasm to the teaser, with one commenting: "Just started rewatching the whole lot from series one, in preparation for the new series - so good," while another simply stated: "I'm so happy."
Creator's Excitement and Production Details
Jed Mercurio expressed his excitement about working with Robert Carlyle, stating: "I've been a huge fan of Robert's work for many years and it will be a career highlight to work with him. Robert always brings mesmerising power and depth to every role; I know viewers will be on the edge of their seats wondering what his character will do next, and why."
The creator emphasised the show's tradition of "glittering guest leads" and confirmed that production has commenced in Belfast, with the new series scheduled to premiere on BBC One and iPlayer next year. This behind-the-scenes revelation has successfully heightened anticipation among the show's dedicated fanbase, who have been eagerly awaiting news since the BBC confirmed the show's continuation earlier this year.
