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The acclaimed police drama Line of Duty is officially returning for its seventh installment, confirmed by the broadcaster.

An upcoming six-part season written by Jed Mercurio will begin filming in Northern Ireland this spring, as confirmed by the production team.

Vicky McClure shared her enthusiasm about the return, stating she was "thrilled" about the show's renewal. Her co-star remarked, "What a joy it is to know that the main trio will be reuniting together next year."

The last season wrapped up in recent years with a finale that attracted more than 17 million viewers. Rumors about a new season have been widespread ever since, but confirmation only arrived this week.

New Challenges for The Team

Series seven begins with the anti-corruption unit no longer existing and rebranded as the new police oversight body, according to production details.

Martin Compston's character, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings continue tasked to tackle corruption within the law enforcement.

Their work "faces unprecedented challenges", and in this climate, the trio are assigned their "most delicate case to date."

New Character and Complex Case

A new character, Det Insp Dominic Gough, described as a charming officer celebrated for takedowns of organized crime, faces allegations of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator.

However, 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."

"It's an honor to have had countless fans watch the ups and downs of AC-12 over six previous seasons and we couldn't be more delighted to be returning for a new installment."

He added: "Misconduct in the UK was thought to be over while Line of Duty was off air, 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".

"Not only 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 added.

The Nottingham-born actress remarked: "It goes without saying I'm so excited the show is returning! Eager to work with Jed, Compston and Dunbar again. Belfast, we'll see you soon!"

Adrian Dunbar commented: "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."

"Pleased with the announcement and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns."

Series Legacy

The drama launched in the early 2010s and became one of the most popular television series of the past ten years, featuring guest stars such as Kelly Macdonald.

The BBC has not yet announced exactly the new season will hit screens.

The conclusion of season six drew the extended plot about the search for criminal mastermind known as "the mysterious H" to a conclusion, and producers indicated at the moment there were no intentions for further series.

Nevertheless, the network confirmed on Tuesday that a seventh series is now in development.