The Hit Drama Confirmed for 7th Season on BBC

Line of Duty cast members
Adrian Dunbar will return their roles in the acclaimed crime series

The beloved police drama AC-12 is officially returning for its seventh season, announced by the BBC.

A brand new six-episode season written by Jed Mercurio starts production in Northern Ireland in the coming months, according to the network.

Vicky McClure shared her enthusiasm about the return, stating she was "thrilled" about the series' return. Adrian Dunbar added, "What a joy it is to know that the main trio will be back filming together next year."

The last series concluded in recent years with a final episode that attracted over 17 million audience members. Rumors about a new season have been circulating ever since, but official word only came this week.

New Challenges for The Team

Series seven will open with AC-12 having been disbanded and rebranded as the new police oversight body, as revealed by production details.

Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure's role, and Adrian Dunbar's part remain working to combat corruption within the police force.

Their work "has never been more difficult", and under these circumstances, these officers will take on their "most sensitive case to date."

Fresh Face and Intricate Plot

An additional officer, DI Dominic Gough, described as a charismatic officer celebrated for busts of criminal networks, is accused of misusing his authority to become a offender.

Yet, this investigation could be a deliberate distraction from a larger danger still active in the background, the teaser hinted.

Speaking about the renewal, Jed Mercurio commented: "Everyone involved are deeply thankful to the dedicated viewers."

"We're privileged to have had countless followers watch the developments of AC-12 over multiple series and we couldn't be more delighted to be coming back for a seventh installment."

Mercurio continued: "Corruption in this country is supposed to have ended while the series was off air, so I've been compelled to use my creativity."

Cast Reactions

The Scottish actor called being part of the series as "a job of a lifetime".

"Beyond the program's popularity but the people I've worked with I now call some of my closest friends."

"I'm excited to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together," he added.

The Nottingham-born actress stated: "It goes without saying I'm very happy the show is returning! Can't wait to work with the creator, Compston and Adrian again. Belfast, we'll be there shortly!"

The veteran actor noted: "While anticipating the AC-12 days of Christmas, what a joy it is to know that the central trio will be working together soon."

"Pleased with the news and looking forward to those unexpected twists and turns."

Series Legacy

The drama launched in the early 2010s and became one of the most popular TV dramas of the past ten years, featuring guest stars such as Kelly Macdonald.

Broadcasters haven't revealed when the upcoming series will premiere.

The finale of series six brought the extended plot about the search for kingpin known as "H" to a conclusion, and producers said at the time there were no plans for additional seasons.

Nevertheless, the corporation announced on this week that a seventh series is now being produced.

James Shepherd
James Shepherd

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