The nation held its breath during the nail-biting finale of Line of Duty in 2021, a police procedural that became a cultural phenomenon. Now, nearly five years later, the stars of the hit BBC show have embarked on an array of impressive projects, from treading the boards in the West End to cracking the American television market.
AC-12 Reunites For A Seventh Series
In thrilling news for fans, the comeback is officially on. The BBC has confirmed that Line of Duty will return for a seventh series, with filming scheduled to begin in Belfast in spring 2026. The show's mastermind, Jed Mercurio, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Everyone involved in Line Of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show's fans." He added, "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," promising more of the mercurial twists viewers adore.
The core trio, often called the 'Three Amigos', are equally excited. Martin Compston, who played DS Steve Arnott, called the show "a job of a lifetime" and can't wait to "pull the waistcoat on again." Vicky McClure, famed for her role as DI Kate Fleming, simply said, "It goes without saying I'm so excited Line Of Duty is back!" Adrian Dunbar, the formidable Superintendent Ted Hastings, delightedly referenced the "AC-12 days of Christmas" and the joy of reuniting.
Where The Stars Are Now
Since the series six finale, which unmasked Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells (Nigel Boyle) as the master villain, the cast have kept remarkably busy.
Martin Compston has enjoyed success with his regular role in ITV's The Rig and fronted his own travel series, Martin Compston's Norwegian Fling. In a festive turn, he even starred in pantomime last year, appearing in Jack and the Beanstalk. He is currently filming The Revenge Club for Paramount+.
Adrian Dunbar has become the face of his own ITV drama, Ridley, and has showcased his theatrical talents in the West End production of Kiss Me Kate.
Vicky McClure has headlined the high-octane ITV drama Trigger Point and is set to star alongside Jodie Comer and Patricia Arquette in the film The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hynde.
From Guest Stars to Leading Roles
The show also featured a host of other well-known faces who have continued to shine. Keeley Hawes, who played DI Lindsay Denton, has starred in critically acclaimed shows like It's A Sin and is currently filming Falling for Channel 4.
Anna Maxwell Martin, known for Motherland before her chilling turn as DCS Patricia Carmichael, made a cameo in the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special and starred in the BBC drama Unforgivable.
Craig Parkinson (DI Matthew 'Dot' Cottan) enjoyed a three-year stint on ITV's Grace and has appeared in Doctor Who and Vera.
Jessica Raine, previously of Call the Midwife, has found success on both sides of the Atlantic, notably holding the lead role in the Amazon Prime series The Devil's Hour since 2022.
Even earlier series stars have remained in the spotlight. Neil Morrissey, already a household name from Men Behaving Badly and as the voice of Bob the Builder, has starred in Finders Keepers and fronted a travel show with Martin Clunes.
With the record-breaking audience of 12.1 million viewers for its finale still fresh in memory, the confirmation of a new series promises to deliver the same crime-fuelled drama that made Line of Duty a national obsession. Further casting for the new six-part series is expected to be announced in due course.
