Line of Duty Season 7 has been confirmed officially by the BBC. After a four-year wait since the last episode aired around 2021, viewers can finally get excited about the comeback of their beloved anti-corruption drama.
The series will bring back its popular trio of main leads. Martin Compston, Adrian Dunbar, and Vicky McClure are coming back to their roles. The creator, Jed Mercurio, will once again write the show. Filming is scheduled to start in Belfast in the spring of the following year. The announcement has brought a lot of joy to viewers who made the former season one of the most binged-watched British shows in recent years.
World Productions will produce the upcoming six-part show in partnership with ITV Studios. The series will air on BBC One and be available on BBC iPlayer. This marks a refreshing chapter for AC-12 after the unit encountered criticism for their controversial show six finale.
The comeback of AC-12 in Line of Duty Season 7
Line of Duty Season 7 will see AC-12 dispersed and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. The change reflects a new era for the anti-corruption team. Kate Fleming, Ted Hastings, and Steve Arnott will encounter their most crucial case yet. They will investigate Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a popular officer who has garnered appreciation for dismantling systematic crime operations.
The officer encounters sensitive accusations of taking advantage of his position of trust. These accusations suggest he has performed as a sexual predator. But the case may not be what it looks on the surface. The investigation could be a distraction from a bigger problem. Someone might still be operating in the shadows. This setup promises the same turns and twists that made the series famous.
Cast and production details in Line of Duty Season 7
The three leading performers have expressed joy about returning to the series. Compston called Line of Duty Season 7 the experience of a lifetime. He mentioned that the individual he works with has turned into a close friend. McClure shared her excitement about working with Compston, Mercurio, and Dunbar again.
She sent a text to Belfast saying they would see the town soon. Dunbar referred to the trio as the Three Amigos. He said he looked forward to the series's signature turns and twists. Jennie Darnell will direct the new show. Ken Horn will serve as producer. Executive producers include Simon Heath from World Productions and Mercurio. Northern Ireland Screen is providing help for the production. Additional cast members will be announced eventually.
The success of series six and the future of Line of Duty Season 7
The former season finale became the biggest drama episode, excluding soaps, since modern UK records started in 2002.
It drew 17 million viewers after several days. The entire sixth show averaged 16 million viewers. This made it the biggest show across the market. However, the conclusion divided the fans. Many felt unhappy when Ian Buckells was revealed as the mysterious H.
Some called it opposing the climax after years of buildup. Despite the mixed reactions, the viewership numbers displayed the series's massive appeal. The BBC quickly expressed an inclination to continue the story. But scheduling conflicts with the occupied cast members delayed the plans for ages.
Also See: Line of Duty cast and characters: Here’s who brought the BBC procedural drama to life
What the creator commented
Mercurio expressed gratitude to viewers who have followed the unit through several seasons. He said everyone involved in Line of Duty Season 7 feels privileged to come back. The creator made a playful comment about corruption supposedly being addressed while the show was off the air. He joked that this compelled him to use his creativity.
The director of BBC Drama, Lindsay Salt, appreciated the show's appeal to both viewers and critics. She credited the success to Merculo's writing and the talented ensemble at World Productions. Salt commented that she was pleased the series would resume filming after so many years.
She also added that audiences would soon be back on the edge of their seats. Simon Heath from World Productions described the comeback as one of the most anticipated reunions in recent times.
Line of Duty Season 7 promises another engaging chapter when it arrives in the new year.