The BBC has unveiled the first look at the seventh series of Line of Duty, with the highly anticipated police drama reportedly set to return earlier than originally expected.
The six-part series, which completed filming in Belfast earlier this year, will see Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar return as detectives Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming and Ted Hastings.
While the BBC has traditionally scheduled the drama’s premieres for March, the new series is now expected to arrive in late January.
AC-12 Faces Its Most Sensitive Investigation Yet
The upcoming series will introduce a new chapter for the anti-corruption team, following the disbandment of AC-12 and its rebranding as the Inspectorate of Professional Standards.
With the fight against police corruption becoming increasingly difficult, Arnott, Fleming and Hastings are assigned what is described as their most sensitive investigation to date.
The new episodes will explore the challenges facing the trio as they continue their work in a changed policing environment.
Robert Carlyle Joins the Cast as Police Officer Shaun Massie
BAFTA-winning actor Robert Carlyle will lead the guest cast, portraying Police Constable Shaun Massie.
Massie is a Specialist Rifle Officer attached to Tactical Operations Unit 7 (TO-7), a team responsible for tackling organised crime groups.
Described as a gruff and reserved individual, Massie generally keeps to himself.
However, his attitude changes when his commanding officer, Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, is accused of being a sexual predator.
The allegations against Gough become a significant development for Massie, whose previously detached personality undergoes a dramatic shift.
Tom Weston-Jones Plays Accused Detective Inspector
Actor Tom Weston-Jones, known for his appearances in Warrior and Sanditon, will portray DI Dominic Gough, the leader of Tactical Operations Unit 7.
Gough is presented as a charismatic police officer who has received recognition for several successful operations against organised crime.
However, his reputation comes under scrutiny after he is accused of abusing his position of trust.
The unit will also feature several newcomers to the Line of Duty cast, including Laura Aikman as DC Paula Beckman, Levi Brown as DC Luke Tobin and Amy Leigh Hickman as DC Nira Rashid.
BBC Reportedly Moves Premiere to January
The decision to bring the seventh series forward means viewers could see the drama return in late January rather than its usual March broadcast window.
A television insider told The Sun that the scheduling change would be welcome news for fans who have waited five years for the next instalment.
The source said viewers had anticipated a March release and suggested that moving the programme to January reflected the BBC’s confidence in the new episodes.
The insider also referenced other popular BBC dramas, including Sherlock and The Night Manager, which have previously occupied January broadcast slots.
According to the source, BBC executives have already watched early edits of the new series and are pleased with the results.
The Daily Mail has approached the BBC for comment on the reported scheduling change.
Main Cast Reunites Five Years After Divisive Finale
Compston, McClure and Dunbar completed filming in July after spending approximately four months working on the new series.
The reunion comes five years after the sixth series concluded with an ending that divided audiences.
In the controversial finale, Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells, played by Nigel Boyle, was exposed as ‘H’, the criminal mastermind behind an extensive network of corrupt police officers.
The revelation attracted criticism from viewers who had followed the investigation into the identity of the mysterious figure throughout the series.
Despite the mixed reaction to the previous finale, the principal cast has now reunited for another six episodes.
Jed Mercurio Shares First Glimpse of Ted Hastings
Creator Jed Mercurio has also offered fans an early indication of what to expect from the upcoming series.
Earlier this year, he shared a photograph on Instagram showing Adrian Dunbar dressed in his police uniform as Superintendent Ted Hastings.
In the image, Hastings is seen looking across a busy office ahead of filming his latest scenes.
The accompanying caption featured one of the character’s familiar lines: “There’s only one thing I’m interested in and one thing only and that’s bent coppers.”
The post offered a glimpse of Dunbar’s return to the role that has become central to the drama.
Line of Duty originally premiered on BBC Two before moving to BBC One from its fourth series onwards.
The seventh instalment will consist of six episodes, with Compston, McClure and Dunbar returning alongside the new cast members.
