Great news for television fans across the UK: the critically acclaimed police drama Line of Duty is officially returning for a seventh series. After a four-year hiatus that left viewers craving more, the BBC has confirmed the show's comeback with its three main stars all reprising their iconic roles.
The Triumphant Return of AC-12
Series seven will see Martin Compston (DS Steve Arnott), Vicky McClure (DI Kate Fleming), and Adrian Dunbar (Superintendent Ted Hastings) back together on screen. The new six-part series is scheduled to begin filming in Belfast in the coming spring, marking a highly anticipated return to the city where the show is produced.
The show's creator, writer, and executive producer, Jed Mercurio, expressed his gratitude to the loyal fanbase. He stated, "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." He added with his characteristic wit, "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."
A New Chapter and a Sensitive Case
The upcoming series will pick up with a significant change for the beloved anti-corruption unit. AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. In this challenging new climate, Arnott, Fleming, and Hastings are assigned their most sensitive case to date.
The plot will focus on Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer celebrated for dismantling organised crime networks. However, he is accused of a serious breach of trust, using his position to act as a sexual predator. The central question remains: is the Gough case a genuine investigation or a deliberate distraction from a more significant, shadowy threat still operating within the force?
Cast Reactions and Past Controversies
The leading trio shared their excitement about the reunion. Martin Compston gushed, "Line of Duty has been a job of a lifetime... I can't wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together." Vicky McClure added, "It goes without saying I'm so excited Line of Duty is back! Can't wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again." Adrian Dunbar referred to the trio as the "Three Amigos" and expressed his delight at the prospect of "those mercurial twists and turns."
The confirmation of a new series will be a welcome relief to many fans who were left disappointed by the controversial ending of series six in 2021. The finale, which revealed the bumbling Det Supt Ian Buckells (Nigel Boyle) as the mysterious 'H', divided viewer opinion. At the time, Mercurio took to social media to address the backlash, noting that while the episode "divided social media opinion," official audience research painted a "far less extreme picture." He revealed that over 50% of a randomly polled audience rated the finale as either 9/10 or 10/10.
Despite the debate, the show's ratings were undeniably phenomenal. The series six finale became the biggest drama episode since modern records began in 2002, amassing a staggering 17 million viewers after 28 days. The final series averaged a massive 16 million viewers, cementing its status as a ratings juggernaut.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said, "Line of Duty is beloved by audiences and critics alike and its amazing ratings are a true testament to the success of Jed's writing... 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." The wait is almost over.
