Line of Duty Set for Dramatic Return: Series 7 Confirmed for 2026
BBC’s Hit Drama Makes Long-Awaited Comeback
After four years of anticipation and speculation, BBC officially confirmed that 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 has electrified fans of the acclaimed police procedural drama, which became the highest-rated drama in the UK since 2002.
The confirmation, made in November 2025, comes after years of uncertainty following the conclusion of series six in May 2021. Fans of Mercurio’s hit BBC show had made it clear they wanted to see more from AC-12 following the conclusion of the sixth season, and their patience has finally been rewarded.
What to Expect from Series Seven
In series seven 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 will begin filming in Belfast in Spring 2026, returning to the show’s traditional filming location.
The beloved trio of actors has expressed their enthusiasm for reuniting. Dunbar 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.”
A Triumph for British Television
Line of Duty is a British police procedural drama created by Jed Mercurio, which revolves around Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12), a team inside a fictional police force tasked with “policing the police”. The series has secured an international cult following despite complications with international distribution rights.
The return of Line of Duty represents a significant moment for British television drama. Given typical production schedules, viewers can expect the new episodes to potentially air in autumn 2026 or possibly in the show’s traditional March release window. For millions of dedicated fans, the wait for answers and the return of AC-12’s gripping investigations will finally come to an end.