Popular British police procedural Line of Duty is confirmed to return for a seventh series on the BBC. The new season will feature original stars Vicky McClure, Martin Compston, and Adrian Dunbar, who will reprise their roles in the much-anticipated series. Production is set to begin in Belfast in spring 2026, marking the show’s return after a four-year hiatus.
The previous season concluded in 2021, achieving remarkable success with its finale, which became the highest-rated drama episode in the UK—excluding soap operas—since official records began in 2002. The finale attracted an impressive 17 million viewers within 28 days, underscoring the show’s popularity.
New Season Overview and Cast Details
The forthcoming six-part series will be created and written by Jed Mercurio and produced by World Productions in collaboration with ITV Studios for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. In this new chapter, the Anti-Corruption Unit AC-12 has been disbanded, now operating under the name Inspectorate of Police Standards. The challenges of anti-corruption work have intensified, placing Steve Arnott (played by Compston), Kate Fleming (McClure), and Ted Hastings (Dunbar) in their most sensitive case yet.
The plot unfolds around Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer celebrated for his success against organized crime. However, allegations arise that he has misused his position to act as a sexual predator. The storyline raises questions about whether Gough’s predicament is a calculated distraction from a more significant threat lurking in the shadows.
Reactions from the Creative Team and Cast
Mercurio expressed gratitude toward the show’s dedicated fanbase, 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 over six previous seasons and we couldn’t be more delighted to be returning for a seventh.” He humorously noted the need for creativity during the series’ hiatus, mentioning that “corruption in this country is supposed to have come to an end while Line of Duty was off air.”
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, highlighted the series’ enduring appeal, stating, “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.” She expressed excitement about the series returning to production after four years, anticipating that viewers will once again be “on the edge of their seats.”
Compston described his involvement in the show as “a job of a lifetime,” while McClure eagerly stated, “Belfast, we’ll see you soon!” Dunbar added, “As we count down the AC12 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.”
Directed by Jennie Darnell and produced by Ken Horn, the new season will also feature executive producers including Mercurio, Simon Heath for World Productions, and Nick Lambon for the BBC. The project is supported by Northern Ireland Screen.
The first six seasons of Line of Duty are currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing new viewers to catch up before the highly anticipated return.
