Jed Mercurio’s hit thriller Line of Duty, produced by World Productions, will return to the BBC for a seventh series with Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar reprising their roles.
Line of Duty last aired in 2021, and the series six finale was the biggest drama episode [excl. soaps] since modern records began in 2002, with 17 million viewers after 28-days. The series averaged a massive 16 million viewers making it the biggest drama across the market since 2018*.
The new six-part series, created and written by Jed Mercurio and produced by World Productions in association with ITV Studios for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, will start filming in Belfast in Spring 2026. Further cast will be announced in due course.
In series seven AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded the Inspectorate of Police Standards. Anticorruption work has never been more difficult and in this challenging climate Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) 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?
Creator, writer and executive producer Jed Mercurio says: “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.”
Simon Heath, World Productions’ CEO and creative director says: “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.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama adds: “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.”
Martin Compston says: “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.”
Vicky McClure says: “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!”
Adrian Dunbar adds: “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.”
Line of Duty is written and created by Jed Mercurio and made by World Productions, part of ITV Studios, which is handling international distribution. It will be directed by Jennie Darnell and the producer is Ken Horn. The executive producers are Jed Mercurio, Simon Heath for World Productions and Nick Lambon for the BBC. Line of Duty is made with support from Northern Ireland Screen.
Watch the first six series of Line of Duty on BBC iPlayer now.
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