The BBC has officially announced the production of the seventh series of Line of Duty, the critically acclaimed police drama penned by Jed Mercurio and produced by World Productions. Following the hugely successful sixth season, which aired from March to May 2021 and culminated in the dramatic unveiling of the elusive corrupt officer known as “H,” fans can look forward to another gripping installment.
Series seven will introduce significant changes within the storyline: AC-12, the fictional anti-corruption unit, will be disbanded and replaced by the Inspectorate of Police Standards. The new six-part series is scheduled to begin filming in Belfast in spring 2024.
Fans will be pleased to learn that Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar are confirmed to return, reprising their iconic roles as Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings respectively. Further casting announcements are expected in due course.
READ MORE: Exact Dates for Beast from the East Weather Phenomenon’s Possible Return to UK
READ MORE: ‘Mum, I’m Going to Die’ – Birmingham Schoolgirl Mauled in Terrifying Dog Attack
Jed Mercurio expressed his gratitude to fans, remarking, “Everyone involved in Line Of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show’s fans… 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.”
The upcoming season promises to challenge the protagonists further. A synopsis reveals: “Anti-corruption work has never been more difficult and in this challenging climate Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming and Ted Hastings are assigned their most sensitive case so far.”
Among the new additions is Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer commendably credited with dismantling organised crime rings but facing allegations of abusing his position as a sexual predator. The synopsis teases a deeper conspiracy: “But is Gough’s case a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows?” The casting for this role will be announced soon.
Line of Duty’s fifth season finale drew massive attention with 15.8 million viewers on BBC One, marking the highest ratings for a drama series in the UK this century — surpassing even the long-standing ITV record set by Heartbeat in 2000.
Martin Compston articulated his enthusiasm, calling Line of Duty “a job of a lifetime” and expressing eagerness to reunite with the cast. Vicky McClure, known for Trigger Point, also voiced excitement about returning to work with her fellow actors in Belfast. Adrian Dunbar affectionately referred to the trio as “the Three Amigos” and looked forward to the season’s twists and turns.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, creator Jed Mercurio received an OBE for services to TV drama in 2022. Beyond Line of Duty, he is acclaimed for his work on Bodyguard and Bodies.
Lindsay Salt, BBC’s director of drama, praised the show’s enduring popularity, stating, “Line Of Duty is beloved by audiences and critics alike… 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.”
Simon Heath, chief executive of World Productions, emphasized the anticipation for the new series, calling it “a privilege to be back with Jed’s terrific new chapter of the Line Of Duty story.”
With production underway next spring, fans eagerly await the return of this gripping crime drama that continually delivers thrilling narratives and complex characters.