BBC confirms Line of Duty series seven with original cast returning to anti-corruption unit

The BBC has confirmed that one of its biggest ever dramas, Line of Duty, is to return for a seventh series.

Produced by World Productions and created, written and exec produced by Jed Mercurio, the six-parter will once again star Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar as anti-corruption police officers.

With their unit AC-12 disbanded and rebranded the Inspectorate of Police Standards, the trio is assigned their most sensitive case so far, when a charismatic Detective Inspector accused of abusing his position of trust by being a sexual predator. But is Gough’s case a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows?

Produced in association with ITV Studios, the series will start filming in Belfast in Spring 2026.

Line of Duty first reached screens in 2012, and the latest series aired in 2021. Its finale became the biggest drama episode since modern records began in 2002, with 17m viewers after 28 days.

The series averaged 16m viewers making it the biggest drama across the market since 2018, according to BBC figures. It was succeeded by Mecurio and World’s 2018 BBC1 tie-up Bodyguard, which attracted 17m viewers when it aired in 2018.

Mercurio said: “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.”

World Productions’ chief executive and creative director Simon Heath said: “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.”

Director of BBC drama Lindsay Salt added: “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.”

Made with support from Northern Ireland Screen, the show will be directed by Jennie Darnell, exec produced by Mercurio, Heath and Nick Lambon and produced by Ken Horn.