The highly anticipated seventh series of the BBC's hit police drama Line of Duty will pick up directly where the previous season concluded, with the AC-12 trio reigniting their pursuit of the elusive criminal mastermind known as 'H'. This development comes as welcome news to devoted viewers who expressed widespread disappointment over the controversial finale of series six in 2021, which revealed the bumbling Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells, portrayed by Nigel Boyle, as the shadowy figure behind extensive police corruption.
Filming Commences in Spring with Fan-Focused Storyline
Production is scheduled to begin in the spring, with creator and writer Jed Mercurio reportedly determined to deliver what audiences have been clamouring for by resurrecting the central 'H' narrative arc. According to industry insiders, the decision to greenlight a seventh instalment was partly driven by the genuine fan backlash against the divisive conclusion of the sixth series, making this revival a direct response to viewer demand.
New Character and Parallel Investigation
Alongside the renewed hunt for 'H', the upcoming series will introduce a compelling parallel investigation focusing on a new character, Detective Inspector Dominic Gough. This officer has been publicly celebrated for a string of successful takedowns targeting organised crime networks. However, the storyline will take a dramatic turn as Gough faces serious allegations of abusing his position of authority to act as a sexual predator, placing him at the heart of the season's unfolding drama.
A television insider revealed to The Sun: "There was genuine anger about the way series six ended and that was part of the reason that a seventh outing was ordered. But this is the first time that there's been any news on whether they'll bring back the 'H' storyline - and devotees will be thrilled to hear Jed will be giving them just what they want."
Returning Cast and Evolving Dynamics
The six-part series will follow the agents of AC-12 after the unit has been disbanded and subsequently rebranded, exploring new institutional challenges. Martin Compston, aged 41, will reprise his role as DI Steve Arnott, leading the cast alongside Vicky McClure as Kate Fleming and Adrian Dunbar as Superintendent Ted Hastings. Additionally, Chief Constable Philip Osborne, played by Owen Teale, will make a return, maintaining his status as a "sworn enemy" to both DI Arnott and Superintendent Hastings, ensuring ongoing tension and conflict.
Intertwined Narratives and Fresh Villains
While the revival of the 'H' plotline is set to satisfy long-time followers, the new season will also introduce a fresh antagonist, consistent with the show's tradition of unveiling new villains each series. This incoming baddie's storyline is expected to be intricately intertwined with the pursuit of 'H', creating what sources describe as a "sensational double-whammy" of corruption and intrigue. The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for official comment regarding these developments.
Overwhelming Gratitude and Creative Vision
Line of Duty has been a monumental success since its debut in 2012, regularly attracting audiences exceeding 10 million viewers. In a statement announcing the seventh series, writer Jed Mercurio expressed profound appreciation: "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 added with a touch of irony: "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."
Cast Enthusiasm and Personal Bonds
Martin Compston, reflecting on his involvement, described appearing in the police drama as "a job of a lifetime". He elaborated: "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."
Trigger Point star Vicky McClure shared her excitement: "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!"
In a recent interview on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Compston revealed the collaborative decision-making process: "Last year we got to the point where we said, 'All right, let's clear the decks for next year'. We chat every, like, if not every other day, like every other week, at least, we're genuinely close pals. Jed went for a curry as soon as I got here the other night. We kind of just said, 'Look, is it getting close to that time?' It's sort of, we're all getting on, you know, but, just in terms of the distance from it, we're kind of like, 'It's now or never.'"
He emphasised the importance of timing and quality: "It was getting to the point, if you leave it too long between it. I mean, it is great to leave the distance because it gives Jed time to write it and come up with a proper storyline... I mean, it's fantastic… already it's a proper page turner. You've got to come from a solid base rather than just commission it. But the scripts are brilliant and we're all excited to get back."
