Line of Duty Announced for Seventh Season on BBC
The acclaimed police drama AC-12 will make a comeback for its seventh season, announced by the BBC.
A brand new six-part series created by the show's creator will begin filming in Belfast in the coming months, as confirmed by the network.
The actress expressed excitement about the comeback, stating she was "so excited" about the series' return. Adrian Dunbar added, "What a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be reuniting together soon."
The last season concluded in recent years with a finale that attracted over 17 million audience members. Speculation about a potential return have been widespread for some time, but confirmation only came recently.
New Challenges for AC-12
Series seven begins with the anti-corruption unit no longer existing and rebranded as the new police oversight body, according to the announcement.
Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings remain working to tackle misconduct within the police force.
Their work "faces unprecedented challenges", and under these circumstances, the trio are assigned their "most sensitive case so far."
Fresh Face and Complex Case
A new character, Det Insp Dominic Gough, described as a charismatic officer known for takedowns of criminal networks, faces allegations of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator.
However, this investigation might serve as a deliberate distraction from a larger danger still active in the shadows, plot details suggested.
Speaking about the renewal, the creator commented: "Everyone involved are deeply thankful to the show's fans."
"We're privileged to have had so many followers track the ups and downs of the unit over multiple series and we are thrilled to be coming back for a new 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 creativity."
Actor Responses
Martin Compston described appearing in the police drama as "the role of a career".
"Not only the show's success but the colleagues I've worked 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," he added.
The Nottingham-born actress stated: "Obviously I'm very happy Line of Duty is returning! Can't wait to work with the creator, Compston and Adrian again. Belfast, we'll see you soon!"
Adrian Dunbar commented: "As we count down the AC-12 return, what a joy it is to know that the central trio will be working together soon."
"Pleased with the news and looking forward to those unexpected twists and turns."
Show History
Line of Duty premiered in 2012 and evolved into one of the most popular television series of the last decade, featuring notable actors such as Stephen Graham.
The BBC haven't revealed when the upcoming series will premiere.
The conclusion of season six drew the long-running storyline about the hunt for kingpin known as "H" to a conclusion, and producers said at the time there were no plans for further series.
Nevertheless, the network announced on Tuesday that a seventh series is now in development.