After years of whispers, theories, and enough fan speculation to fill a filing cabinet at AC-12 HQ, the BBC has officially confirmed that ‘Line of Duty‘ is returning for a seventh series. Yes, Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar are all back for another round of interrogations, waistcoats and very tense conversations in glass meeting rooms.
‘Line of Duty’ last aired in 2021, and the appetite for more anti-corruption drama has never really gone away. The series six finale became the biggest drama episode on UK television [excluding soaps] since modern records began in 2002, reaching 17 million viewers after 28 days. Across the run, it averaged a huge 16 million viewers, marking it as the biggest drama across the market since 2018. When people say the nation gathered around the TV, this was one of the rare shows that actually proves it.
The new six part series, created and written by Jed Mercurio and produced by World Productions in association with ITV Studios, will film in Belfast in Spring 2026. Further cast announcements will follow, so expect the rumour mill to spin up once again.
In series seven, AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. Anticorruption work has become harder than ever, and in this newly complicated landscape, Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) are assigned their most sensitive investigation so far. Detective Inspector Dominic Gough is a rising star, celebrated for a streak of high-profile takedowns of organised crime. He is also accused of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator. The question is whether this case is the real threat or just a distraction from something far more dangerous lurking in the background.
Jed Mercurio offered his thoughts on the return, saying:
“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. Corruption in this country is supposed to have come to an end while Line of Duty was off air so I’ve been forced to use my imagination.”
Simon Heath, World Productions CEO and creative director, added:
“There have been a number of significant reunions in recent years, but few more keenly anticipated than the return of AC12. It’s a privilege to be back with Jed’s terrific new chapter of the Line of Duty story.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said:
“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, the work from the brilliant team at World Productions and the entire cast and crew. I’m so pleased that after four long years Line of Duty will be back filming soon and can’t wait for BBC viewers to be back on the edge of their seats.”
The cast are just as enthusiastic. Martin Compston commented:
“Line of Duty has been a job of a lifetime. Not only in terms of the show’s success but the people I’ve had the opportunity to work 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.”
Vicky McClure said:
“It goes without saying I’m so excited Line of Duty is back! Can’t wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we’ll see you soon!”
And Adrian 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.”
The series will be directed by Jennie Darnell, with Ken Horn producing. Executive producers are Jed Mercurio and Simon Heath for World Productions, and Nick Lambon for the BBC. The drama is made with support from Northern Ireland Screen.
‘Line of Duty‘ Season 7 does not yet have a premiere date but will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
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