Robert Carlyle has been cast as the guest lead in the seventh series of Jed Mercurio's hit BBC crime thriller Line of Duty. The BAFTA-winning actor, known for roles in Trainspotting, The Full Monty and 28 Weeks Later, will play Detective Constable Shaun Massie when filming begins this spring.
DC Shaun Massie is a Specialist Rifle Officer and veteran marksman with Tactical Operations Unit 7, tasked with taking down organised crime groups. Described as a gruff loner, his detached demeanour changes drastically when his commanding officer, DI Dominic Gough, is accused of being a sexual predator. The new series picks up with AC-12 disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, with Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming and Ted Hastings assigned their most sensitive case yet.
Carlyle 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. The scripts are excellent and will maintain the quality audiences expect. DC Massie is an extraordinary character and I look forward to bringing him to life.' Mercurio added: 'Robert always brings mesmerising power and depth to every role. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats wondering what his character will do next.'
Jennie Darnell will direct the first three episodes, with Ken Horn as producer. Executive producers are Mercurio, Simon Heath for World Productions, and Nick Lambon for the BBC. The series airs next year on BBC One and iPlayer, filming again in Belfast with support from Northern Ireland Screen. Seasons 1-6 are currently streaming on iPlayer.
