🔗 Share this article

The beloved police drama Line of Duty is officially returning for its 7th installment, confirmed by the broadcaster.

A brand new six-episode series created by Jed Mercurio starts production in Belfast this spring, as confirmed by the production team.

The actress shared her enthusiasm about the comeback, stating she was "thrilled" about the series' return. Adrian Dunbar added, "What a joy it is to know that the main trio will be reuniting together next year."

The previous season concluded in recent years with a finale that drew in more than 17 million audience members. Rumors about a potential return have been widespread for some time, but confirmation only came this week.

Fresh Obstacles for AC-12

Series seven will open with AC-12 having been disbanded and renamed as the new police oversight body, as revealed by the announcement.

Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings remain tasked to tackle misconduct within the law enforcement.

The team's mission "faces unprecedented challenges", and under these circumstances, these officers will take on their "most delicate case so far."

Fresh Face and Complex Case

A new character, DI Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charismatic officer celebrated for busts of organized crime, is accused of misusing his authority to act as a offender.

However, his case could be a deliberate distraction from a larger danger still active in the shadows, plot details suggested.

Speaking about the renewal, the creator commented: "All cast and crew feels enormous gratitude to the dedicated viewers."

"We're privileged to have had so many fans track the ups and downs of the unit over six previous seasons and we are thrilled to be coming back for a seventh season."

Mercurio continued: "Corruption in the UK is supposed to have ended while the series was off air, so I've been compelled to use my imagination."

Cast Reactions

The Scottish actor described being part of the police drama as "the role of a career".

"Not only the show's success but the colleagues I've worked with I now call dear friends."

"I'm excited to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together," he said.

Vicky McClure stated: "Obviously I'm so excited the show is returning! Eager to work with the creator, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we'll see you soon!"

Adrian Dunbar noted: "While anticipating the unit days of Christmas, what a joy it is to know that the central trio will be back filming next year."

"Delighted with the news and looking forward to those unexpected plot developments."

Series Legacy

Line of Duty launched in the early 2010s and became one of the most popular TV dramas of the last decade, attracting guest stars such as Stephen Graham.

Broadcasters has not yet announced exactly the upcoming series will hit screens.

The finale of series six brought the long-running storyline about the search for criminal mastermind known as "H" to a close, and the creative team indicated at the moment there were no plans for further series.

Nevertheless, the corporation confirmed on this week that a new season is now being produced.