The BBC has released first-look images of Robert Carlyle in the upcoming seventh series of Line of Duty, where he plays veteran marksman Police Constable Shaun Massie.
The 65-year-old Trainspotting star was announced as a guest lead in the surprise series back in February 2026, ahead of filming in Belfast. In a series teaser, the actor previously stated that he was "delighted" to join the cast.
AC-12 Rebranded as Inspectorate of Professional Standards
The seventh series will see AC-12 disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Professional Standards. With anti-corruption work hitting new levels of difficulty, Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar will reprise their roles as they work on their most sensitive case so far.
Robert will star alongside the trio as Police Constable Shaun Massie, a Specialist Rifle Officer (SRO). Described as a veteran marksman, Massie works with the Tactical Operations Unit 7 (TO-7) to take down Organised Crime Groups.
Character's Demeanour Shifts After Commanding Officer Accused
Initially viewed to be a gruff loner, Robert's character is set to have a drastic change in demeanour after his commanding officer DI Dominic Gough is accused of being a sexual predator. In the first-look pictures, Robert can be seen looking stern while holding a rifle and donning a police cap. In one picture, he is also seen alone in the TO-7 office, adding suspicion to his character.
DI Inspector Gough will be played by Tom Weston-Jones, who is initially made out to be a charismatic officer who lavishes in public praise after a string of organised crime takedowns.
However, after being accused of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator, fans of the show will be left questioning if these allegations are a distraction to a bigger threat going on in the shadows, and how Massie's sudden outburst connects to the accusations.
Carlyle and Mercurio on Joining the Series
Previously speaking about joining Line of Duty, Robert said: "Having been a huge admirer of Jed Mercurio’s work for many years, I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to join such an exceptional cast for series seven of Line of Duty."
"The scripts for the series are excellent and will absolutely maintain the quality that the audience have come to expect from this fantastic show. DC Massie is an extraordinary character and I look forward to bringing him to life."
The show's writer Jed Mercurio has teased that the Bafta-winning actor will have viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the six-part series as you never know what his character will decide to do next.
He said: "On Line of Duty we've been honoured by the glittering guest leads who've joined the cast over the years. We couldn't be more thrilled that Robert Carlyle will star in series seven as Specialist Rifle Officer Shaun Massie."
"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."
Line of Duty is set to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2027.
