Ever since that explosive finale episode of Line of Duty aired on BBC One in May 2021 (to 12.8m people, no less), the question on everyone's lips has been whether there will be another series. Thankfully, the answer to that question is a firm yes and an insider has let slip some crucial details - namely, that it's going to be quite the explosive series and that the hunt for "H" will continue.
But hang on, we already confirm H's identity in the series 6 finale, right? We thought so. But, according to The Sun, the new storyline “is likely to be intertwined with that of ‘H’ in a sensational double-whammy”. They added that “there is still likely to be a new villain introduced into the new season, just as there has been with every series since the show was launched. But the incoming baddie’s storyline is likely to be intertwined with that of H in a sensational double-whammy."
With the series set to commence filming imminently, here's everything you need to know about Line of Duty series 7, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
Will there definitely be a Line of Duty series 7?
Yes, rumours were rife for a long time. Way back in November 2024, a source told The Sun that the Line of Duty cast had met up to discuss bringing the show back.
"Jed is close to Vicky, Martin and Adrian and they often meet for dinner – this time it was different. A topic of conversation was how they could align their schedules in 2025 to ensure Line Of Duty 7 happens. The ambition is filming could start next year and on screens by early 2026," they said.
Adrian Dunbar also hinted at the show's return around the same time. Explaining that he’d been trying to sneak some classic Irish phrases into the show since it started in 2012, he was seemingly optimistic that he’d get another chance to do so.
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"The one I didn't get in, which is kind of a really good Irish one about not stopping things happening is, ‘Don't stall the digger”’, he said in an interview with Virgin Radio. “That's a good one, isn't it? Like, you know, ‘You've got to keep going.’ That's going in the next season.”
Thankfully, the BBC finally confirmed that there would indeed be a series 7 in November last year - hurrah! We can’t wait to see what happens next...
What will happen in Line of Duty series 7?
According to the BBC, in series 7, AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded the Inspectorate of Police Standards. Anticorruption work is now more difficult than ever and in this challenging climate Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) are assigned their most sensitive case so far.
The official synopsis continues: "Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer winning plaudits for a string of takedowns of organised crime, is accused of abusing his position of trust to act as a sexual predator. But is Gough’s case a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows?"
Creator, writer and executive producer Jed Mercurio says of the new instalment: “Everyone involved in Line of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show’s fans. 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.”
Simon Heath, World Productions’ CEO and creative director added: “There have been a number of significant reunions in recent years, but few more keenly anticipated than the return of AC12. It’s a privilege to be back with Jed’s terrific new chapter of the Line of Duty story.”
Who will star in Line of Duty series 7?
We know that our favourite crime-solving trio, Vicky McClure (DC Kate Fleming), Martin Compston (DS Steve Arnott) and Adrian Dunbar (DS Ted Hastings) are returning, but as it stands, no further cast have been confirmed. As soon as we have more news, we'll share it here.
When will Line of Duty series 7 air?
While the BBC hasn't yet shared a release date for Line of Duty series 7, we do know that filming will commence this spring, so we'd expect it to arrive on our screens at some point later this year or in early 2027. As soon as we have more news, you'll be the first to know.
