Line of Duty Announced for 7th Series on BBC
The beloved police drama AC-12 will make a comeback for its 7th season, announced by the broadcaster.
An upcoming six-episode season written by Jed Mercurio will begin filming in Northern Ireland in the coming months, as confirmed by the production team.
Vicky McClure shared her enthusiasm about the return, saying she was "thrilled" about the series' return. Her co-star remarked, "How wonderful it is to know that the main trio will be reuniting together soon."
The previous season wrapped up in 2021 with a final episode that drew in over 17 million audience members. Speculation about a potential return have been widespread for some time, but confirmation only came this week.
Fresh Obstacles for AC-12
The seventh season will open with AC-12 having been disbanded and renamed as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, as revealed by production details.
Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings continue tasked to combat misconduct within the police force.
Their work "faces unprecedented challenges", and in this climate, the trio will take on their "most sensitive case so far."
New Character and Complex Case
A new character, Det Insp 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, this investigation might serve as a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still active in the shadows, the teaser 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 fans track the ups and downs of AC-12 over multiple series and we couldn't be more delighted to be returning for a seventh installment."
Mercurio continued: "Corruption in this country is supposed to have ended while Line of Duty was off air, so I've been forced to use my imagination."
Actor Responses
The Scottish actor called appearing in the police drama as "a job of a lifetime".
"Beyond the program's popularity but the colleagues I've collaborated with I now call some of my closest friends."
"I'm excited to wear the uniform 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 the creator, Compston and Dunbar again. The city, we'll be there shortly!"
The veteran actor commented: "While anticipating the AC-12 return, how exciting it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming next year."
"Pleased with the announcement and anticipating those mercurial plot developments."
Show History
The drama premiered in the early 2010s and became a highly successful TV dramas of the last decade, attracting notable actors such as Thandiwe Newton.
Broadcasters haven't revealed when the new season will hit screens.
The finale of season six drew the extended plot about the search for criminal mastermind known as "the mysterious H" to a conclusion, and the creative team said at the moment there were no plans for additional seasons.
However, the network announced on Tuesday that a new season is now being produced.
