Filming for the new series of Line of Duty was temporarily halted due to the Belfast riots, adding to a series of disruptions that have plagued the show's production. The hit BBC drama, which returns later this year for its seventh series, faced chaos in its first few weeks of filming, including an injury to star Martin Compston and adverse weather conditions.
Martin Compston Injured on Set
Scottish actor Martin Compston, who plays Detective Inspector Steve Arnott in the anti-corruption unit, required medical attention after being accidentally injured by an Airsoft gun during a scene. Airsoft guns are commonly used as firearm alternatives in police dramas. Despite the incident, Compston was reported to be fine and continued filming after treatment.
Belfast Riots Force Production Shutdown
The most significant disruption came when production had to shut down due to violent riots in Belfast. The disorder was sparked by anti-immigration protests following the charging of 30-year-old Sudanese national Hadi Alodid with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie. Cast and crew were forced to seek safety as the unrest unfolded near the set.
Adrian Dunbar, who plays Superintendent Ted Hastings, spoke about the incident on RTE Radio 1, saying: “We did have to pause for the riots and that wasn’t great. There’s a lot of stuff being stirred up in Ireland I think from outside the country at the minute and there’s a lot of social media stirred a lot of pots here and a lot of idle hands sitting around were able to get out of the street.” He added that a subsequent demonstration by the people of Belfast showed the true sentiment toward immigrants, describing the rioters as a “small minority.”
Weather Woes Add to Delays
In addition to the riots, the cast and crew have had to contend with poor weather conditions. Dunbar noted: “In between the showers it’s going pretty well, there’s a lot of showers coming in, we’re getting drenched to tell you the truth.” The frequent rain showers have made outdoor filming challenging, further complicating the production schedule.
Seventh Series Plot Details
Line of Duty will return to BBC One later this year, five years after the 2021 finale drew 17 million viewers who discovered the identity of the corrupt officer known as “H.” In the new series, the anti-corruption unit has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. The plot follows the team as they investigate their most sensitive case yet, at a time when anti-corruption work is more difficult than ever.
The storyline centers on Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer praised for takedowns of organized crime, who is accused of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator. However, Ted, Kate, and Steve must determine whether Gough’s case is a deliberate distraction from a larger threat. Creator Jed Mercurio confirmed the return in November, stating: “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.”
