Line of Duty set to return after four years as BBC confirm returning cast

The BBC has confirmed Line of Duty will return after a four-year break.

Four years on from the BBC series' dramatic 2021 finale, which holds the title of being the most watched drama episode (excluding soaps) since records began, and Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar are set to be back on our screens and weeding out corruption in our police forces.

"Everyone involved in Line of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show’s fans," series creator Jed Mercurio said of the news. "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."

Here is everything we know about the seventh season of Line of Duty.

Guess who's back (BBC)

When will the new series of Line of Duty air?

An air date for season seven of Line of Duty is yet to be confirmed; however, production will begin in Belfast in spring 2026.

The series will have six episodes.

Who is starring in Line of Duty season seven?

Aside from Compston, McClure and Dunbar, who are reprising their roles as Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming and Ted Hastings, little else is known about who will be joining them in the line of duty.

What will happen in Line of Duty season seven?

According to a synopsis, season seven will see AC-12 disbanded and rebranded the Inspectorate of Police Standards, meaning anti-corruption work has never been more difficult.

Arnott, Fleming and Hastings are assigned their 'most sensitive' case yet as charismatic Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a man praised for his takedowns of organised crime, is accused of being a sexual predator.

But is the case as it seems?

What have the Line of Duty cast said about the return?

"Line of Duty has been a job of a lifetime," Compston said of the news. "Not only in terms of the show's success but the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with I now call some of my closest friends. I can’t wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together."

"It goes without saying I’m so excited Line of Duty is back! Can’t wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we’ll see you soon," said McClure.

"As we countdown the AC12 days of Christmas what a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together next year," added Dunbar.

"Delighted with the news and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns."

Where can I watch the new episodes of Line of Duty?

Line of Duty will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.