The popular police procedural series Line of Duty will return for a seventh season, featuring stars Vicky McClure, Martin Compston, and Adrian Dunbar in their iconic roles. The announcement confirms that the show, created by Jed Mercurio, will start filming in Belfast in spring 2026. The previous season, which aired in 2021, set records in UK viewership, with the finale attracting 17 million viewers within 28 days, marking it as the most-watched drama episode since records began in 2002.
In the upcoming season, the Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12) has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. This shift introduces new challenges for the team as they tackle their most sensitive case to date. According to the plot synopsis, Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a highly regarded officer known for his success against organized crime, faces serious accusations of abusing his position. The narrative raises the question of whether Gough’s situation is a distraction from a more significant threat lurking in the shadows.
Mercurio expressed gratitude to the show’s dedicated fanbase: “Everyone involved in Line of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show’s fans. We couldn’t be more delighted to be returning for a seventh season.” He added that while the series was off the air, he had to rely on his imagination, as corruption in the country was supposed to have ended.
Director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, praised the series for its enduring popularity, 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 and the entire cast and crew.” She expressed excitement for the upcoming filming, anticipating that viewers will once again be on the edge of their seats.
The actors shared their enthusiasm about returning to the show. Compston referred to it as “a job of a lifetime,” while McClure expressed her eagerness to be back in Belfast. 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.”
The new series will be directed by Jennie Darnell, with Ken Horn serving as the producer. Executive producers include Mercurio, Simon Heath for World Productions, and Nick Lambon for the BBC. Line of Duty is produced with support from Northern Ireland Screen and will be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer alongside the first six seasons, which are currently accessible for viewers.
