🔗 Share this article Line of Duty Announced for 7th Season on BBC Martin Compston are set to reprise their characters in the acclaimed crime series The acclaimed crime series Line of Duty is officially returning for its seventh installment, confirmed by the broadcaster. A brand new six-part season created by the show's creator will begin filming in Northern Ireland in the coming months, as confirmed by the network. Vicky McClure expressed excitement about the return, saying she was "so excited" about the show's renewal. Adrian Dunbar added, "How wonderful it is to know that the main trio will be back filming together soon." The last season wrapped up in recent years with a finale that drew in over 17 million viewers. Speculation about a potential return have been circulating ever since, but official word only arrived this week. New Challenges for The Team Series seven will open with AC-12 no longer existing and renamed as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, according to production details. Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings continue tasked to tackle corruption within the law enforcement. Their work "has never been more difficult", and in this climate, the trio are assigned their "most sensitive case so far." Fresh Face and Complex Case An additional officer, Det Insp Dominic Gough, described as a charismatic officer known for busts of organized crime, faces allegations of abusing his position to become a offender. However, this investigation might serve as a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still active in the background, the teaser suggested. In a statement, Jed Mercurio said: "All cast and crew are deeply thankful to the show's fans." "We're privileged to have had so many fans track the developments of AC-12 over multiple series and we couldn't be more delighted to be returning for a new season." He added: "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." Cast Reactions The Scottish actor described appearing in the series as "a job of a lifetime". "Beyond the show's success but the colleagues I've worked with I now call dear friends." "I'm excited to pull the waistcoat on again and reunite with everyone," he said. Vicky McClure remarked: "Obviously I'm so excited Line of Duty is back! Can't wait to work with Jed, Compston and Dunbar again. The city, we'll see you soon!" The veteran actor commented: "While anticipating the AC-12 return, how exciting it is to know that the Three Amigos will be working together next year." "Delighted with the announcement and looking forward to those unexpected twists and turns." Series Legacy The drama premiered in the early 2010s and became a highly successful TV dramas of the past ten years, attracting guest stars such as Kelly Macdonald. The BBC has not yet announced exactly the upcoming series will premiere. The finale of series six drew the extended plot about the search for criminal mastermind known as "the mysterious H" to a close, and the creative team said at the moment there were no intentions for further series. Nevertheless, the corporation confirmed on this week that a seventh series is now in development.