Line of Duty Announced for 7th Season on the British Broadcaster
The beloved police drama AC-12 is officially returning for its seventh season, announced by the BBC.
An upcoming six-episode season written by the show's creator starts production in Northern Ireland this spring, according to the network.
Vicky McClure expressed excitement about the return, saying she was "thrilled" about the series' return. Her co-star added, "How wonderful it is to know that the main trio will be reuniting together next year."
The last series wrapped up in recent years with a final episode that attracted over 17 million viewers. Rumors about a potential return have been circulating for some time, but confirmation only came this week.
New Challenges for The Team
The seventh season begins with the anti-corruption unit having been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, as revealed by production details.
Martin Compston's character, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings continue working to tackle misconduct within the police force.
The team's mission "faces unprecedented challenges", and in this climate, these officers are assigned their "most sensitive case to date."
New Character and Intricate Plot
An additional officer, DI Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charismatic officer celebrated for takedowns of organized crime, faces allegations of misusing his authority to become a sexual predator.
Yet, his case might serve as a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows, plot details suggested.
In a statement, Jed Mercurio said: "Everyone involved feels enormous gratitude to the show's fans."
"It's an honor to have had so many followers watch the ups and downs of AC-12 over six previous seasons and we couldn't be more delighted to be returning for a seventh installment."
Mercurio continued: "Misconduct in the UK is supposed to have ended while the series was not airing, so I've been forced to use my imagination."
Actor Responses
The Scottish actor described appearing in 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'm excited to wear the uniform again and get the team back together," he said.
The Nottingham-born actress stated: "It goes without saying I'm very happy Line of Duty is back! Eager to work with the creator, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we'll be there shortly!"
Adrian Dunbar noted: "While anticipating the unit return, what a joy it is to know that the central trio will be back filming next year."
"Pleased with the announcement and anticipating those mercurial twists and turns."
Show History
The drama launched in the early 2010s and evolved into a highly successful television series of the last decade, attracting guest stars such as Lennie James.
The BBC has not yet announced exactly the upcoming series will hit screens.
The conclusion of series six drew the long-running storyline about the search for criminal mastermind known as "the mysterious H" to a close, and the creative team said at the time there were no plans for additional seasons.
Nevertheless, the corporation confirmed on this week that a new season is now being produced.
