The return of ‘Line of Duty’ just got a serious shot of star power, as Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting, The Full Monty, 28 Weeks Later) signs on for series seven. The BAFTA-winning actor is set to play Detective Constable Shaun Massie in the next chapter of ‘Line of Duty’, which films this spring and arrives on BBC iPlayer and BBC One next year.
Carlyle joins returning leads Martin Compston (The Nest), Vicky McClure (Trigger Point) and Adrian Dunbar (Blood) in what promises to be another tense outing for Jed Mercurio’s long-running crime thriller. He is the first new cast member announced for series seven and follows a formidable line of previous guest leads, including Kelly Macdonald (Giri/Haji), Stephen Graham (Boiling Point), Thandiwe Newton (Westworld), Daniel Mays (Des), Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard) and Lennie James (The Walking Dead).
On joining the show, Robert Carlyle says:
“Having been a huge admirer of Jed Mercurio’s work for many years, I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to join such an exceptional cast for series 7 of Line of Duty. The scripts for the series are excellent and will absolutely maintain the quality that the audience have come to expect from this fantastic show. DC Massie is an extraordinary character and I look forward to bringing him to life.”
Jed Mercurio adds:
“On Line of Duty we’ve been honoured by the glittering guest leads who’ve joined the cast over the years. We couldn’t be more thrilled that Robert Carlyle will star in series 7 as Specialist Rifle Officer Shaun Massie. I’ve been a huge fan of Robert’s work for many years and it will be a career highlight to work with him. Robert always brings mesmerising power and depth to every role; I know viewers will be on the edge of their seats wondering what his character will do next, and why.”
Simon Heath, World Productions’ CEO and Creative Director, says:
“It’s one of the privileges of Line of Duty to have the opportunity to work with so many actors I’ve admired over the years. As a young script editor starting out in the 90s, I was blown away by Robert’s stunning performances in Trainspotting and Cracker, so it’s a particular thrill to be working with him now.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says:
“Sometimes a piece of casting feels so right that you just can’t imagine anyone else. Robert Carlyle is one of our greatest actors and the perfect fit for the phenomenon that is Line of Duty.”
Who Is Shaun Massie?
In series seven, AC-12 have been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. Anti-corruption work has never been more difficult, and in this new landscape, Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming and Ted Hastings are handed their most sensitive case yet.
Carlyle’s character, Detective Constable Shaun Massie, is a Specialist Rifle Officer operating with Tactical Operations Unit 7. A veteran marksman and something of a gruff loner, Massie keeps himself to himself. However, when his commanding officer, DI Dominic Gough, is accused of being a sexual predator, Massie’s otherwise detached demeanour shifts dramatically.
Series seven is written and created by Jed Mercurio, who will also direct episodes four to six. Jennie Darnell directs the first three episodes, with Ken Horn producing. Executive producers are Jed Mercurio and Simon Heath for World Productions, and Nick Lambon for the BBC. The series will once again film in Belfast with support from Northern Ireland Screen.
Series 1 to 6 of ‘Line of Duty’ are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
‘Line of Duty’ Series 7 does not yet have a premiere date but will air on BBC One/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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