The Hit Drama Confirmed for 7th Series on BBC

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

An upcoming six-episode series written by Jed Mercurio will begin filming in Belfast in the coming months, as confirmed by the network.

Vicky McClure shared her enthusiasm about the return, saying she was "thrilled" about the show's renewal. Adrian Dunbar added, "What a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be reuniting together soon."

The previous season wrapped up in 2021 with a finale that drew in more than 17 million audience members. Rumors about a new season have been circulating for some time, but confirmation only arrived this week.

New Challenges for AC-12

The seventh season will open with the anti-corruption unit no longer existing and renamed as the new police oversight body, as revealed by the announcement.

Martin Compston's character, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings remain tasked to combat misconduct within the law enforcement.

Their work "has never been more difficult", and under these circumstances, these officers are assigned their "most sensitive case so far."

New Character and Complex Case

A new character, Det Insp Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charismatic officer known for busts of organized crime, is accused of misusing his authority to become a sexual predator.

Yet, this investigation might serve as a intentional diversion from a bigger threat still active in the background, the teaser hinted.

In a statement, the creator said: "Everyone involved feels enormous gratitude to the show's fans."

"It's an honor to have had countless fans track the ups and downs of AC-12 over multiple series and we couldn't be more delighted to be coming back for a seventh season."

Mercurio continued: "Corruption in this country is supposed to have ended while the series was not airing, so I've been forced to use my imagination."

Actor Responses

Martin Compston called appearing in the police drama as "a job of a lifetime".

"Beyond the show's success but the colleagues I've worked with I now call dear friends."

"I can't wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together," he added.

The Nottingham-born actress remarked: "It goes without saying I'm so excited Line of Duty is back! Eager to work with Jed, Compston and Dunbar again. Belfast, we'll see you soon!"

Adrian Dunbar noted: "While anticipating the AC-12 days of Christmas, what a joy it is to know that the central trio will be working together next year."

"Delighted with the news and anticipating those mercurial plot developments."

Show History

The drama launched in 2012 and evolved into one of the most popular TV dramas of the last decade, attracting guest stars such as Stephen Graham.

The BBC has not yet announced when the new season will premiere.

The finale of season six drew the extended plot about the hunt for kingpin known as "H" to a close, and the creative team said at the time there were no plans for additional seasons.

Nevertheless, the network confirmed on this week that a seventh series is now in development.