In a major announcement for British television, the BBC has confirmed that its phenomenally successful crime drama, Line of Duty, will return for a seventh series. This marks the show's first comeback since its record-breaking finale aired in 2021, ending a prolonged hiatus for its dedicated fanbase.
AC-12 Reassembles with a New Mission
The core trio of stars are all set to reprise their iconic roles. Vicky McClure returns as Detective Inspector Kate Fleming, Martin Compston is back as Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott, and Adrian Dunbar will once again lead the unit as Superintendent Ted Hastings. The show's creator, Jed Mercurio, expressed his delight, quipping, "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."
This new season, however, will see a significant shake-up in the unit's structure. The familiar Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12) has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. The team will find themselves investigating a Detective Inspector accused of being a sexual predator in an environment where, according to the BBC, "anti-corruption work has never been more difficult."
Cast Enthusiasm and Past Success
The cast have been vocal about their desire to return. Adrian Dunbar shared his excitement, stating, "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." Martin Compston echoed this sentiment, calling the show "a job of a lifetime" and saying he "can’t wait to pull the waistcoat on again."
The announcement may come as a surprise to some, as Vicky McClure had recently dampened expectations of a return in an October interview with the Radio Times, stating she had no updates. She did, however, confirm the cast's close bond, born from the show, and their discussions about a potential travel show together.
Line of Duty's sixth season finale in May 2021 was a ratings juggernaut, pulling in a record 12.8 million viewers. The BBC confirmed this made it the most-watched episode of any drama, excluding soaps, since modern records began in 2002. Despite the viewership success, the finale received a mixed critical reception, with some feeling it did not live up to the show's earlier heights.
What to Expect in the New Series
A key element of suspense remains the casting of the central suspect. The show has a celebrated history of featuring major guest stars each season, with past roles filled by the likes of Keeley Hawes, Kelly Macdonald, Stephen Graham, and Thandiwe Newton. The identity of the actor who will play the accused Detective Inspector is yet to be revealed, promising another compelling performance at the heart of the investigation.
With the beloved cast confirmed, a new institutional challenge for the team, and the promise of a high-stakes corruption plot, the return of Line of Duty is set to be one of the most anticipated television events in the UK.
