Line of Duty returning to BBC One

Now we're sucking diesel!

Line of Duty was last on our screens in 2021, when after 28 days, 17 million viewers tunes in to the series six finale. And whilst that was considered the end of Line of Duty, today the BBC has confirmed that the hit thriller from Jed Mercurio, will be returning for a seventh series.

Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar will all be reprising their roles in series seven which sees AC-12 disbanded and rebranded the Inspectorate of Police Standards.

Anticorruption work has never been more difficult and in this challenging climate Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming and Ted Hastings are assigned their most sensitive case so far.

Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer winning plaudits for a string of takedowns of organised crime, is accused of abusing his position of trust to act as a sexual predator. But is Gough’s case a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows?

Speaking ahead of its return, creator, writer and executive producer Jed Mercurio said "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."

On returning to play Steve Arnott, Martin Compston said "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."

To which Vicky McClure who plays Kate Fleming added "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, who plays Ted Hastings said "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."

Produced by World Productions in association with ITV Studios, the new series of Line of Duty will begin filmin in Belfast in Spring 2026, with further cast announced in due course.

It'll be directed by Jennie Darnell, produced by Ken Horn and executive produced by Jed Mercurio and Simon Heath for World Productions with Nick Lambon for the BBC.

Ahead of the show's return, Simon Heath, World Productions’ CEO and creative director said "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."

To which the BBC's Director of Drama, Lindsay Salt added "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."

Line of Duty will return to BBC One