Line of Duty Announced for Seventh Series on BBC

Line of Duty cast members
Martin Compston will return their characters in the popular crime series

The beloved police drama Line of Duty is officially returning for its seventh installment, announced by the broadcaster.

A brand new six-part season written by the show's creator starts production in Northern Ireland this spring, according to the network.

The actress shared her enthusiasm about the return, stating she was "thrilled" about the show's renewal. Her co-star remarked, "What a joy it is to know that the main trio will be reuniting together next year."

The last season wrapped up in 2021 with a finale that attracted more than 17 million viewers. Speculation about a new season have been widespread ever since, but confirmation only came recently.

Fresh Obstacles for The Team

Series seven begins with AC-12 no longer existing and renamed as the new police oversight body, according to the announcement.

Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Adrian Dunbar's part remain working to combat corruption within the police force.

The team's mission "has never been more difficult", and under these circumstances, the trio will take on their "most delicate case to date."

New Character and Intricate Plot

An additional officer, DI Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charismatic officer celebrated for takedowns of criminal networks, is accused of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator.

However, his case could be a deliberate distraction from a larger danger still active in the background, plot details hinted.

In a statement, the creator commented: "All cast and crew feels enormous gratitude to the dedicated viewers."

"We're privileged to have had so many fans watch the ups and downs of the unit over multiple series and we couldn't be more delighted to be returning for a seventh installment."

Mercurio continued: "Misconduct in the UK was thought to be over while the series was not airing, so I've been compelled to use my imagination."

Actor Responses

Martin Compston called appearing in the series as "the role of a career".

"Not only the show's success but the colleagues I've collaborated with I now call dear friends."

"I'm excited to pull the waistcoat on again and reunite with everyone," he added.

Vicky McClure stated: "Obviously I'm so excited the show is back! Can't wait to work with the creator, Martin and Adrian again. The city, we'll see you soon!"

Adrian Dunbar commented: "While anticipating the AC-12 days of Christmas, how exciting it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming next year."

"Delighted with the news and anticipating those mercurial twists and turns."

Series Legacy

The drama launched in the early 2010s and became a highly successful TV dramas of the last decade, attracting guest stars such as Kelly Macdonald.

The BBC has not yet announced exactly the new season will hit screens.

The conclusion of series six brought the long-running storyline about the hunt for kingpin known as "the mysterious H" to a close, and the creative team said at the time there were no plans for further series.

However, the corporation announced on Tuesday that a seventh series is now being produced.

Matthew Stone
Matthew Stone

A cultural anthropologist and travel writer specializing in Nordic regions, with over a decade of experience documenting Scandinavian traditions.