The Hit Drama Announced for Seventh Season on BBC
The beloved crime series AC-12 will make a comeback for its seventh season, announced by the broadcaster.
An upcoming six-episode season written by the show's creator will begin filming in Belfast in the coming months, according to the network.
Vicky McClure expressed excitement about the return, stating she was "thrilled" about the show's renewal. Her co-star added, "How wonderful it is to know that the Three Amigos will be reuniting together soon."
The previous series wrapped up in recent years with a finale that drew in more than 17 million audience members. Speculation about a new season have been widespread ever since, but official word only arrived recently.
Fresh Obstacles for The Team
Series seven begins with AC-12 no longer existing and renamed as the new police oversight body, as revealed by production details.
Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Adrian Dunbar's part remain tasked to tackle corruption within the law enforcement.
Their work "faces unprecedented challenges", and under these circumstances, these officers are assigned their "most sensitive case to date."
New Character and Intricate Plot
An additional officer, DI Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charismatic officer celebrated for busts of organized crime, is accused of misusing his authority to become a sexual predator.
However, this investigation could be a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still active in the shadows, plot details suggested.
In a statement, Jed Mercurio commented: "All cast and crew are deeply thankful to the dedicated viewers."
"We're privileged to have had countless fans watch the ups and downs of AC-12 over multiple series and we couldn't be more delighted to be returning for a seventh season."
Mercurio continued: "Corruption in the UK was thought to be over while the series was not airing, so I've been forced to use my imagination."
Cast Reactions
The Scottish actor described being part of the police drama as "the role of a career".
"Beyond the program's popularity but the people I've collaborated 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 said.
The Nottingham-born actress remarked: "Obviously I'm so excited Line of Duty is returning! Eager to work with the creator, Compston and Adrian again. Belfast, we'll see you soon!"
The veteran actor noted: "While anticipating the unit days of Christmas, what a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming next year."
"Delighted with the announcement and anticipating those mercurial plot developments."
Series Legacy
The drama premiered in 2012 and became one of the most popular television series of the last decade, attracting guest stars such as Lennie James.
The BBC haven't revealed exactly the new season will hit screens.
The conclusion of season six drew the long-running storyline about the hunt for kingpin known as "the mysterious H" to a conclusion, and the creative team said at the moment there were no plans for additional seasons.
However, the network confirmed on Tuesday that a seventh series is now in development.