The Hit Drama Announced for Seventh Season on BBC

The beloved police drama Line of Duty is officially returning for its seventh installment, announced by the BBC.

An upcoming six-episode season written by Jed Mercurio starts production in Northern Ireland in the coming months, as confirmed by the production team.

Vicky McClure shared her enthusiasm about the return, stating she was "thrilled" about the series' return. Adrian Dunbar remarked, "What a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together soon."

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

Fresh Obstacles for AC-12

Series seven will open with AC-12 no longer existing and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, as revealed by production details.

Martin Compston's character, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings remain working to tackle corruption within the police force.

Their work "has never been more difficult", and in this climate, the trio will take on their "most delicate case to date."

New Character and Intricate Plot

A new character, Det Insp Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charming officer celebrated for busts of criminal networks, faces allegations of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator.

Yet, his case could be a deliberate distraction from a larger danger still active in the background, the teaser hinted.

Speaking about the renewal, Jed Mercurio commented: "All cast and crew feels enormous gratitude to the show's fans."

"We're privileged to have had countless fans track the developments of the unit over six previous seasons and we are thrilled to be returning for a new season."

Mercurio continued: "Corruption in the UK was thought to be over while Line of Duty was not airing, so I've been forced to use my imagination."

Cast Reactions

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

"Beyond the show's success but the people I've worked with I now call dear friends."

"I can't wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together," he said.

The Nottingham-born actress stated: "Obviously I'm so excited the show is returning! Can't wait to work with Jed, Compston and Dunbar again. The city, we'll be there shortly!"

Adrian Dunbar noted: "As we count down the AC-12 return, how exciting it is to know that the central trio will be working together next year."

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

Series Legacy

Line of Duty launched in the early 2010s and became a highly successful television series of the last decade, attracting guest stars such as Thandiwe Newton.

The BBC has not yet announced exactly the upcoming series will premiere.

The finale of season six drew the extended plot about the hunt for kingpin known as "the mysterious H" to a close, and producers indicated at the moment there were no intentions for further series.

However, the corporation confirmed on Tuesday that a seventh series is now in development.