Line of Duty returns for a seventh series
The hit thriller Line of Duty will return to the BBC for a seventh series, with Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar reprising their roles, reports BritPanorama.
The police drama, created by Jed Mercurio, last aired in 2021. The series six finale was a significant success, becoming the most-watched drama episode, excluding soaps, since modern records began in 2002, attracting 17 million viewers after 28 days.
Filming for the new six-part series will commence in Belfast in Spring 2026, produced by World Productions in association with ITV Studios for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
Following the announcement, Mercurio expressed gratitude to the show’s fans, stating, “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 [Anti-Corruption Unit 12] over six previous seasons and we couldn’t be more delighted to be returning for a seventh.”
He also commented on the narrative landscape: “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.”
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, remarked, “Line of Duty is beloved by audiences and critics alike and its amazing ratings are a true testament to the success of Jed’s writing, the work from the brilliant team at World Productions and the entire cast and crew. I’m so pleased that after four long years Line of Duty will be back filming soon and can’t wait for BBC viewers to be back on the edge of their seats.”
In the upcoming series, AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. The characters Steve Arnott (Compston), Kate Fleming (McClure), and Ted Hastings (Dunbar) will be engaged in a case involving Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, who is accused of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator.
The synopsis also raises questions about whether Gough’s case is a distraction from a more significant threat. Compston referred to Line of Duty as the “job of a lifetime,” highlighting both its success and the close relationships he has formed during its production.
While the BBC has not confirmed the air date for the new series, reports suggest it could debut towards the end of 2026. The announcement took some fans by surprise, as McClure had previously downplayed any rumors of a return, stating, “I don’t want to give anyone any false hope.”
After the confirmation of the seventh series, she expressed her excitement, 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 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.”
Since its launch in 2012, Line of Duty has featured guest stars such as Stephen Graham, Thandiwe Newton, Kelly Macdonald, and Lennie James. Creator Jed Mercurio, who has a background as a medical officer and screenwriter, has produced other notable works, including Bodyguard, Vigil, and the recent Covid-themed drama Breathtaking.
