The acclaimed police drama *Line of Duty* is set to return to BBC for a seventh series, with Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure, and Martin Compston reprising their roles in the hit program.
The BBC has confirmed that a new six-part series, penned by creator Jed Mercurio, will commence filming in Belfast this spring.
McClure expressed her excitement about the series’ return, while Dunbar remarked on the joy of reuniting with his co-stars. “What a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together next year,” Dunbar stated.
The previous series, which concluded in 2021, garnered over 17 million viewers for its finale. Since then, speculations about a return have circulated, though Mercurio and the BBC refrained from confirming the rumors until now.
A premiere date for the new season has not yet been announced by the BBC.
The sixth series finale seemingly wrapped up the long-standing narrative surrounding the pursuit of the criminal mastermind known as “H.” At the time, both the BBC and the show’s creative team indicated no immediate plans for further installments.
However, on Tuesday, the corporation officially announced the development of a seventh series.
Series seven will begin with AC-12 having been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, the BBC confirmed.
Despite the changes, Steve Arnott (Compston), Kate Fleming (McClure), and Ted Hastings (Dunbar) remain dedicated to combating police corruption.
According to the BBC, their work “has never been more difficult, and, in this challenging climate, [the trio] are assigned their most sensitive case so far.”
The new season will introduce Det Insp Dominic Gough, a celebrated officer known for dismantling organized crime, who now faces accusations of abusing his position as a sexual predator.
However, the BBC teased that the case might be a deliberate smokescreen to conceal a larger threat lurking in the shadows.
In a statement, Mercurio expressed gratitude to the show’s fanbase: “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.”
He quipped: “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.”
*Line of Duty*, which debuted in 2012, has become a prominent television drama, featuring guest appearances from talents like Stephen Graham, Thandiwe Newton, Kelly Macdonald, and Lennie James.
Compston hailed his involvement in the police drama as “a job of a lifetime.”
“Not only in terms of the show’s success but the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with I now call some of my closest friends.”
“I can’t wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together,” he added.
McClure shared her enthusiasm, saying: “It goes without saying I’m so excited *Line of Duty* is back! Can’t wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we’ll see you soon!”
Dunbar concluded: “As we count down the AC-12 days of Christmas what a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together next year.
“Delighted with the news and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns.”
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