🔗 Share this article

The acclaimed police drama Line of Duty will make a comeback for its 7th season, confirmed by the BBC.

An upcoming six-episode season created by Jed Mercurio starts production in Belfast this spring, according to the production team.

Vicky McClure shared her enthusiasm about the comeback, saying she was "thrilled" about the series' return. Adrian Dunbar remarked, "How wonderful it is to know that the main trio will be reuniting together next year."

The last season wrapped up in 2021 with a final episode that drew in more than 17 million viewers. Speculation about a potential return have been widespread for some time, but confirmation only came this week.

Fresh Obstacles for The Team

Series seven will open with AC-12 no longer existing and renamed as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, as revealed by the announcement.

Martin Compston's character, Vicky McClure's role, and Adrian Dunbar's part continue working to tackle misconduct within the law enforcement.

Their work "faces unprecedented challenges", and under these circumstances, these officers will take on their "most delicate case to date."

New Character and Complex Case

An additional officer, DI Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charming officer celebrated for busts of criminal networks, is accused of abusing his position to become a offender.

However, this investigation could be a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows, the teaser suggested.

In a statement, Jed Mercurio said: "All cast and crew feels enormous gratitude to the dedicated viewers."

"We're privileged to have had so many followers track the ups and downs of AC-12 over multiple series and we are thrilled to be coming back for a seventh season."

Mercurio continued: "Misconduct in the UK is supposed to have ended while the series was not airing, so I've been compelled to use my creativity."

Actor Responses

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

"Beyond the show's success but the people I've worked with I now call some of my closest friends."

"I can't wait to pull the waistcoat on again and reunite with everyone," he added.

The Nottingham-born actress remarked: "It goes without saying I'm so excited Line of Duty is back! Can't wait to work with Jed, Compston and Adrian again. The city, we'll see you soon!"

Adrian Dunbar commented: "While anticipating the unit days of Christmas, how exciting it is to know that the central trio will be back filming soon."

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

Series Legacy

The drama launched in 2012 and evolved into one of the most popular television series of the past ten years, featuring guest stars such as Stephen Graham.

Broadcasters has not yet announced exactly the upcoming series will premiere.

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

Nevertheless, the corporation confirmed on this week that a new season is now in development.