Line of Duty Confirmed for Seventh Season on BBC

The acclaimed crime series Line of Duty is officially returning for its 7th installment, announced by the broadcaster.

A brand new six-part series created by the show's creator will begin filming in Northern Ireland in the coming months, as confirmed by the network.

Vicky McClure expressed excitement about the comeback, saying she was "thrilled" about the series' return. Adrian Dunbar added, "What a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be reuniting together next year."

The previous season wrapped up in recent years with a finale that attracted more than 17 million viewers. Speculation about a new season have been widespread ever since, but confirmation only arrived this week.

Fresh Obstacles for AC-12

Series seven will open with the anti-corruption unit having been disbanded and renamed as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, according to production details.

Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure's role, and Adrian Dunbar's part continue tasked to tackle corruption within the police force.

Their work "faces unprecedented challenges", and in this climate, the trio are assigned their "most delicate case so far."

Fresh Face and Complex Case

An additional officer, Det Insp Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charismatic officer celebrated for busts of organized crime, is accused of abusing his position to act as a offender.

However, this investigation could be a intentional diversion from a larger danger still operating in the shadows, the teaser suggested.

Speaking about the renewal, the creator said: "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 multiple series and we are thrilled to be returning for a new installment."

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

Actor Responses

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

"Not only the program's popularity but the people I've collaborated with I now call some of my closest friends."

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

Vicky McClure remarked: "Obviously I'm very happy Line of Duty is returning! Eager to work with Jed, Compston and Dunbar again. Belfast, we'll be there shortly!"

The veteran actor commented: "As we count down the AC-12 days of Christmas, how exciting it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming soon."

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

Show History

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

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

The conclusion of series six drew the long-running storyline about the search for criminal mastermind known as "H" to a close, and producers indicated at the time there were no plans for further series.

Nevertheless, the network confirmed on this week that a new season is now in development.