🔗 Share this article Line of Duty Confirmed for 7th Season on the British Broadcaster Martin Compston are set to reprise their roles in the acclaimed crime series The acclaimed police drama Line of Duty is officially returning for its 7th installment, confirmed by the broadcaster. An upcoming six-episode series written by the show's creator starts production in Northern Ireland this spring, according to the production team. The actress expressed excitement about the return, saying she was "thrilled" about the show's renewal. Her co-star remarked, "What a joy it is to know that the main trio will be back filming together soon." The last series concluded in recent years with a finale that drew in more than 17 million audience members. Speculation about a new season have been circulating for some time, but official word only came recently. New Challenges for The Team Series seven will open with the anti-corruption unit no longer existing and renamed as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, as revealed by the announcement. Martin Compston's character, Vicky McClure's role, and Adrian Dunbar's part remain tasked to tackle misconduct within the police force. The team's mission "faces unprecedented challenges", and under these circumstances, the trio will take on their "most delicate case so far." New Character and Complex Case A new character, Det Insp Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charismatic officer known for busts of criminal networks, is accused of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator. Yet, this investigation could be a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still active in the shadows, plot details suggested. In a statement, Jed Mercurio commented: "Everyone involved feels enormous gratitude to the dedicated viewers." "We're privileged to have had countless fans watch the ups and downs of AC-12 over six previous seasons and we are thrilled to be coming back for a seventh installment." He added: "Misconduct in the UK is supposed to have ended while the series was not airing, so I've been compelled to use my creativity." Actor Responses The Scottish actor described appearing in the series as "a job of a lifetime". "Beyond the program's popularity but the people I've worked with I now call dear friends." "I'm excited to pull the waistcoat on again and reunite with everyone," he added. Vicky McClure stated: "It goes without saying I'm so excited Line of Duty is returning! Eager to work with the creator, Compston and Adrian again. Belfast, we'll see you soon!" Adrian Dunbar noted: "As we count down the AC-12 return, what a joy it is to know that the central trio will be working together next year." "Delighted with the news and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns." Show History The drama launched in 2012 and became a highly successful TV dramas of the last decade, attracting guest stars such as Kelly Macdonald. Broadcasters haven't revealed when 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 conclusion, and producers said at the time there were no intentions for additional seasons. Nevertheless, the corporation confirmed on Tuesday that a seventh series is now in development.