🔗 Share this article

The acclaimed police drama AC-12 will make a comeback for its 7th installment, announced by the broadcaster.

An upcoming six-part season created by Jed Mercurio starts production in Northern Ireland in the coming months, according to the production team.

Vicky McClure expressed excitement about the comeback, saying she was "so excited" about the show's renewal. Adrian Dunbar remarked, "How wonderful it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together next year."

The last season concluded in recent years with a final episode that attracted over 17 million audience members. Speculation about a potential return have been widespread ever since, but official word only arrived recently.

New Challenges for The Team

The seventh season will open with AC-12 having been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, as revealed by the announcement.

Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings continue tasked to combat misconduct within the police force.

The team's mission "faces unprecedented challenges", and under these circumstances, the trio are assigned their "most delicate case so far."

New Character and Complex Case

An additional officer, Det Insp Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charming officer known for busts of criminal networks, faces allegations of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator.

However, his case could be a deliberate distraction from a larger danger still operating in the shadows, the teaser hinted.

In a statement, the creator commented: "Everyone involved are deeply thankful to the show's fans."

"We're privileged to have had countless followers watch the ups and downs of the unit over six previous seasons and we couldn't be more delighted to be returning for a seventh season."

He added: "Misconduct in this country is supposed to have ended while Line of Duty was off air, so I've been compelled to use my imagination."

Cast Reactions

Martin Compston called being part of the series as "a job of a lifetime".

"Not only the program's popularity but the people I've worked with I now call some of my closest friends."

"I'm excited to wear the uniform again and get the team back together," he added.

The Nottingham-born actress remarked: "Obviously I'm very happy Line of Duty is returning! Eager to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. The city, we'll see you soon!"

Adrian Dunbar noted: "As we count down the unit days of Christmas, how exciting it is to know that the Three Amigos will be working together next year."

"Delighted with the news and anticipating those unexpected plot developments."

Show History

The drama launched in 2012 and became one of the most popular television series of the past ten years, attracting guest stars such as Lennie James.

The BBC has not yet announced exactly the new season will premiere.

The finale of season six brought the long-running storyline about the hunt for kingpin known as "the mysterious H" to a conclusion, and producers said at the moment there were no plans for additional seasons.

However, the corporation confirmed on this week that a new season is now being produced.