One of the BBC’s biggest crime franchises is officially coming back. After years of uncertainty and intense fan speculation, the broadcaster has confirmed that Line of Duty will return for a seventh season, reuniting Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston in their signature roles.
The new six-part season, written once again by creator Jed Mercurio, is slated to begin filming in Belfast this spring.
McClure said she was “so excited” the series was returning. Dunbar added: “What a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together next year.”
The sixth season finale of Line of Duty, which aired in 2021, attracted more than 17 million viewers and closed the long-running investigation into the criminal mastermind “H.” At the time, both the creative team and the BBC suggested there were no plans for additional seasons, fueling years of rumors. The corporation has now confirmed that a seventh installment is officially in development.
According to the BBC, the new season opens with AC-12 having been disbanded and restructured as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. Still, the familiar trio continues their mission to root out corruption, despite an even more challenging political climate.
Series seven will introduce a new character, Det Insp Dominic Gough, a celebrated officer accused of exploiting his power to act as a sexual predator. But the BBC teases that this case may be a smokescreen for something far more dangerous operating in the shadows.
Mercurio said:
“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 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.”
Compston called the show “a job of a lifetime”, adding:
“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,”
McClure said:
“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 added:
“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.”
The BBC has not yet announced a premiere date, but production is set to begin in the spring.
