Line of Duty Returns: AC-12 Set to Tackle New Case in Highly Anticipated Series 7

Britain’s Most-Watched Drama Makes Its Comeback

After a four-year hiatus, Line of Duty will begin filming a new series in spring 2026, with show creator Jed Mercurio and lead stars Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston all back on board. The announcement brings welcome news to millions of fans who have been waiting for the return of AC-12 since the sixth series concluded in May 2021.

Line of Duty is a British police procedural and serial drama television programme created by Jed Mercurio and produced by World Productions for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The show has become a cultural phenomenon, with the series becoming the highest-rated drama in the UK since 2002.

What We Know About Series 7

The seventh series was confirmed by the BBC on 18 November 2025, to consist of six episodes. According to the plot synopsis, AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded the Inspectorate of Police Standards, and in this climate, Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings are assigned their most sensitive case yet.

The new six-part series, created and written by Jed Mercurio, will begin filming in Belfast in Spring 2026. Creator Jed Mercurio noted with characteristic wit that “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”.

The Journey to Series 7

The path to recommissioning wasn’t straightforward. The sixth season left fans deflated when it aired back in 2021, but the BBC almost immediately requested more episodes to continue the story, though the success of the show meant Vicky, Martin and Adrian were instantly snapped up for other projects.

All three lead actors have expressed enthusiasm about returning. Adrian Dunbar, who plays Ted Hastings, said: “As we count down the AC-12 days of Christmas, what a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together next year. Delighted with the news and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns”.

Why This Matters

The return of Line of Duty represents more than just another television series—it’s a significant cultural event for British audiences. The series revolves around Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12), a team inside a fictional police force tasked with “policing the police”, tackling themes of institutional corruption and accountability that resonate deeply with contemporary concerns.

For fans who have waited patiently since 2021, Series 7 promises to deliver the intricate plotting, shocking twists, and moral complexity that made Line of Duty essential viewing. The show’s return also signals confidence from the BBC in home-grown drama that can compete with streaming giants for audiences’ attention.