🔗 Share this article The Hit Drama Announced for 7th Season on BBC Vicky McClure are set to reprise their characters in the acclaimed crime series The beloved police drama Line of Duty is officially returning for its 7th installment, confirmed by the broadcaster. An upcoming six-episode series created by Jed Mercurio starts production in Belfast in the coming months, according to the network. Vicky McClure expressed excitement about the comeback, stating she was "thrilled" about the series' return. Adrian Dunbar added, "What a joy it is to know that the main trio will be reuniting together next year." The previous series concluded in 2021 with a final episode that drew in more than 17 million viewers. Speculation about a new season have been widespread for some time, but official word only arrived this week. New Challenges for The Team Series seven begins with the anti-corruption unit no longer existing and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, according to the announcement. Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings continue working to combat corruption within the police force. The team's mission "has never been more difficult", and in this climate, the trio are assigned their "most sensitive case so far." New Character and Intricate Plot An additional officer, Det Insp Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charming officer known for busts of organized crime, faces allegations of abusing his position to become a sexual predator. Yet, this investigation might serve as a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still active in the shadows, the teaser suggested. Speaking about the renewal, Jed Mercurio commented: "All cast and crew feels enormous gratitude to the dedicated viewers." "We're privileged to have had countless followers track the ups and downs of the unit over multiple series and we couldn't be more delighted to be coming back for a new installment." Mercurio continued: "Misconduct in this country is supposed to have ended while the series was off air, so I've been forced to use my imagination." Actor Responses The Scottish actor described appearing in the police drama as "a job of a lifetime". "Beyond the program's popularity but the colleagues I've collaborated with I now call dear friends." "I can't wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together," he added. Vicky McClure stated: "Obviously I'm very happy the show is back! Eager to work with the creator, Compston and Adrian again. Belfast, we'll be there shortly!" Adrian Dunbar noted: "As we count down the unit return, what a joy it is to know that the central trio will be back filming soon." "Pleased with the announcement and looking forward to those mercurial plot developments." Series Legacy Line of Duty launched in the early 2010s and evolved into one of the most popular TV dramas of the last decade, attracting guest stars such as Lennie James. Broadcasters haven't revealed when the upcoming series will hit screens. The finale of series six brought the long-running storyline about the search for kingpin known as "the mysterious H" to a close, and producers said at the time there were no plans for further series. Nevertheless, the network announced on this week that a new season is now in development.