🔗 Share this article Line of Duty Announced for 7th Season on BBC Vicky McClure are set to reprise their characters in the acclaimed crime series The beloved police drama AC-12 is officially returning for its 7th installment, confirmed by the BBC. A brand new six-part series created by Jed Mercurio starts production in Northern Ireland in the coming months, as confirmed by the production team. Vicky McClure shared her enthusiasm about the return, saying she was "so excited" about the show's renewal. Adrian Dunbar remarked, "What a joy it is to know that the main trio will be reuniting together soon." The last season wrapped up in recent years with a final episode that attracted over 17 million viewers. Speculation about a potential return have been widespread ever since, but confirmation only came recently. New Challenges for The Team Series seven begins with the anti-corruption unit no longer existing 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 tackle misconduct 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 to date." New Character and Intricate Plot A new character, DI Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charismatic officer known for busts of organized crime, is accused of misusing his authority to become a sexual predator. However, this investigation could be a intentional diversion from a bigger threat still operating in the background, the teaser hinted. In a statement, Jed Mercurio commented: "All cast and crew are deeply thankful to the show's fans." "We're privileged to have had countless fans watch the ups and downs of the unit over multiple series and we couldn't be more delighted to be returning for a new installment." Mercurio continued: "Corruption in the UK is supposed to have ended while Line of Duty was not airing, so I've been compelled to use my creativity." Cast Reactions The Scottish actor called appearing in the police drama as "the role of a career". "Beyond the program's popularity but the colleagues I've worked with I now call dear friends." "I can't wait to pull the waistcoat on again and reunite with everyone," he said. The Nottingham-born actress stated: "Obviously I'm so excited Line of Duty is back! Can't wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. The city, we'll be there shortly!" The veteran actor noted: "As we count down the AC-12 days of Christmas, how exciting it is to know that the central trio will be working together soon." "Delighted with the announcement and anticipating those mercurial plot developments." Show History Line of Duty premiered in 2012 and evolved into one of the most popular TV dramas of the last decade, featuring notable actors such as Lennie James. Broadcasters haven't revealed exactly the new season will premiere. The conclusion of season six brought the long-running storyline about the hunt for criminal mastermind known as "H" to a conclusion, and producers said at the moment there were no plans for further series. Nevertheless, the corporation announced on this week that a new season is now being produced.