🔗 Share this article Line of Duty Confirmed for Seventh Season on the British Broadcaster Adrian Dunbar will return their characters in the popular crime series The beloved crime series AC-12 is officially returning for its 7th season, confirmed by the BBC. A brand new six-episode season created by Jed Mercurio starts production in Northern Ireland in the coming months, according to the production team. The actress expressed excitement about the return, stating she was "thrilled" about the show's renewal. Adrian Dunbar added, "What a joy it is to know that the main trio will be reuniting together next year." The last season wrapped up in 2021 with a final episode that attracted more than 17 million audience members. Speculation about a new season have been circulating for some time, but confirmation only came this week. New Challenges for AC-12 The seventh season begins with AC-12 having been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, according to the announcement. Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings remain tasked to tackle corruption within the police force. The team's mission "faces unprecedented challenges", and in this climate, these officers will take on their "most sensitive case so far." New Character and Intricate Plot An additional officer, DI Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charismatic officer celebrated for busts of organized crime, is accused of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator. Yet, this investigation might serve as a intentional diversion from a bigger threat still active in the background, the teaser hinted. In a statement, Jed Mercurio said: "Everyone involved feels enormous gratitude to the dedicated viewers." "It's an honor to have had countless followers watch the ups and downs of the unit over multiple series and we are thrilled to be coming back for a new 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 The Scottish actor described appearing in the police drama as "the role of a career". "Not only the program's popularity but the colleagues I've worked with I now call dear friends." "I'm excited to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together," he added. Vicky McClure remarked: "Obviously I'm so excited the show is back! Eager to work with Jed, Martin and Dunbar again. The city, we'll be there shortly!" Adrian Dunbar commented: "While anticipating the AC-12 days of Christmas, how exciting it is to know that the central trio will be back filming soon." "Delighted with the news and looking forward to those unexpected plot developments." Series Legacy The drama premiered in the early 2010s and became one of the most popular television series of the past ten years, featuring guest stars such as Stephen Graham. Broadcasters haven't revealed when the new season will premiere. The finale of season six brought the long-running storyline about the hunt for criminal mastermind known as "the mysterious H" to a close, and producers said at the moment there were no plans for additional seasons. However, the network announced on Tuesday that a seventh series is now in development.