Line of Duty series 7: Everything we know so far
Will we see the return of AC-12?
Since it first hit our screens back in 2012, Line of Duty has amassed legions of fans, with six series of the much-loved show airing in total. The gripping sixth series aired in 2021, where viewers finally found out the identity of H.
Series six was believed to be the last series of Line of Duty, so a seventh season of the show might be unlikely. However, there have been an array of rumours about a possible seventh series over the years, so fans are hoping we may get to see more in the future. Here's everything we know, from cast hints to what creator Jed Mercurio has to say...
Will there be a seventh season of Line of Duty?
Series six of Line of Duty was believed to be the last, so it doesn't look to be likely at the moment. However, back in October 2021, reports seemed to reveal the show had been renewed for another series - but this was not confirmed by the BBC.
A source told the Daily Star at the time: “Another series is happening. This is the news millions of fans have been hoping for. A lot of stuff still needs to be agreed and it is likely to take a while. Fans will probably have to wait a few years before it airs on TV.”
What has been said about Line of Duty series 7 so far?
Jed Mercurio
In March 2021, writer Jed Mercurio told the Radio Times: "We’re in a situation where it’s not entirely clear that there will be a seventh series. We would hope there could be. But we’re having to do our planning coming out of COVID, and a whole bunch of other things around the idea that these things aren’t guaranteed at all now.
"Since probably season four, we’ve been talking to the BBC about the realistic longevity of the series. I’ve experienced broadcasters pulling the plug while we were still developing a storyline –Bodies and Cardiac Arrest both ended prematurely on the BBC. So it’s an ongoing discussion, is all I can say. A lot of it depends on the key creatives – me and the main actors – finding new stories to tell within that universe."
Jed also spoke about a seventh season of the show back in 2019 at a press screening of the fifth season: "I don’t know. We all love making the show. I think a lot depends on how people respond to it. I think that it’s great that people get very excited about it, when they get to the end of the series and they talk about what they want to know, and what they want to see next.
"But I think we recognise that it’s got a life span, so I think we’ve got to calibrate that against the audience responses. I have some thoughts (about how it’s all going to end)."
Martin Compston
Scottish actor Martin Compston, who plays the role of DI Steve Arnott on the show, has also kept us all guessing, seemingly hinting that series six could have been the last, before sparking more hopeful season seven rumours.
Speaking on the Shrine of Duty podcast, Martin said: "You know, people have stuck with us for such a long time. I think there comes a point where the natural story arc that's been running all these years is coming to an end."
Although he did go on to admit the cast and crew 'genuinely' don't know about the show's future, we are hoping for the best!
But Martin later got fans talking when he gave a more promising update, while picking up the Special Recognition Award at the 2021 National Television Awards. Accepting the show's second gong of the night, following the award for Returning Drama, Martin excited fans as he said: "We genuinely don't take this for granted and who knows, maybe we'll be back again..."
In 2023, Martin gave fans another promising update, revealing that the cast of the show are in a WhatsApp group chat with Jed Mercurio. Speaking on his Restless Natives podcast which he hosts with Gordon Smart, Martin said: "Well we would love to but at the moment there's no news.
"There's absolutely no immediate plans. Jed's on strike. We're all filming different stuff. We've got a WhatsApp group that was 'Line of Duty 6' and then a while ago Jed changed the name of it to 'Line of Duty 7'. And what I love about it is, we've never spoken about it since!"
Vicky McClure
Back in January 2022, Vicky McClure gave us all another glimmer of hope as she hinted that her and her co-stars were all keen to return for the show. Speaking to The Guardian, the actress was quizzed on whether or not we can expect a Line of Duty series seven, to which Vicky responded: "I don't know! I don't know, there's no word of it."
However, the star then offered us a promising update as she continued: "I think we've all been really honest and said should that happen, we're all game. I'll just stick with the guys. I think when it comes to a close, it will be a natural close for us all."
In June 2022, Vicky then re-ignited the season seven rumour flame as she shared an image alongside her Line of Duty co-stars Adrian Dunbar (Superintendent Ted Hastings) and Martin Compston (DS Steve Arnott), as well as the show creator Jed Mercurio.
As the gang reunited for a catch-up, fans were quick to question whether they could be discussing a potential seventh series!
Heading to the comments, one fan asked: 'Does this mean we have series 7 in the works? Jed did say he wanted to finish on 7', with another optimistic fan commenting: 'Mates discussing a season 7 script perhaps??😃'.
Adrian Dunbar
In November 2022, Adrian appeared on ITV Daytime show Lorraine, where he revealed he'd love to reunite with his Line of Duty co-stars.
When Lorraine Kelly asked: "Do we think perhaps if we can get you all in the same room, you might do another one?", Adrian said: "Yes, there is every possibility. We're all keeping our fingers crossed that we'll hear something at some point. We all want to get back together again. We'd love to go back to Belfast again.
“The last time we did it it was in lockdown, so we were all in bubbles. We couldn't get out… everything was shut. So we'd like to get back to Belfast for a bit of fun.”
Adrian has also previously spoke of a potential seventh series, saying in August 2022: "There’s a big appetite for more Line of Duty.
"It could be three or four episodes, I don’t think there’s going to be six for some reason. It might be two 90 minutes. But it’s all entirely down to Jed what the storyline is going to be. It’s a big ask for him."
When will series 7 be released?
It'd have to be confirmed first before we could start speculating on release dates. Nothing has currently been announced by the BBC, but fans would definitely love to see series seven happen!
Who will be in the cast?
Since we don't know if it's actually going ahead yet, ANYTHING could happen with the characters. But here are a couple of the major players and where you might know them from...
Adrian Dunbar as Superintendent Ted Hastings
First joined the cast: Series 1
Northern Irish actor Adrian Dunbar has played the role of Superintendent Ted Hastings, the leader of AC-12, since Jed Mercurio's brilliant show first aired back in 2012.
Over the first five series it came to light that Ted had some marital issues, as well as a number of financial struggles coming to light.
Despite being framed by Gill Biggeloe in series 5, many viewers were convinced Ted could be the last member of 'H', but all was cleared up in the series 6 finale when he come clean to Detective Chief Superintendent Patricia Carmichael that he leaked information to Lee Banks that led to John Corbett's death.
What other shows has Adrian Dunbar appeared in?
Adrian has appeared in a number of high profile shows alongside Line of Duty, including Blood, Death In Paradise, Ashes To Ashes and Adrian Dunbar's Coastal Ireland.
Vicky McClure as DI Kate Fleming
First joined the cast: Series 1
DI Kate Fleming, played by English actress Vicky McClure, is another Line of Duty OG, first appearing in series 1 as an undercover specialist.
Vicky's character Kate played an integral part in framing bent coppers over the first five series, but in series 6 Kate left AC-12, instead working alongside newcomer DCI Joanne Davidson in a murder investigation. Despite this, as seen in episode 1 of series 6, Kate remained good friends with Steve Arnott, meeting up to pass on inside information. At the end of series 6 it looked like Kate was back at home in AC-12, with the Gaffa even offering her job back!
What other shows has Vicky McClure appeared in?
Vicky appeared in Channel 4 series This Is England before joining the cast of Line of Duty, as well as featuring in shows such as The Replacement and The Secret Agent.
Martin Compston as DS Steve Arnott
First joined the cast: Series 1
Ever since his character DS Steve Arnott was welcomed into AC-12 by Ted Hastings in series 1, Scottish actor Martin Compston become a fan favourite with viewers.
Despite getting himself into a number of awkward situations (we are talking about you Lindsay Denton), Steve is one of AC-12's most decorated officers, helping bring down a number of bent coppers over the first five series.
Despite a number of issues with a painkiller addiction in series 6, Steve finally went to Occupational Health in the series finale, after finally bringing down H!
What other shows has Martin Compston appeared in?
You'll recognise Martin from a number of popular dramas on the box, including shows like The Nest, Traces and Victoria.
Nigel Boyle as DCI Buckells
First joined the cast: Series 1
Buckells, played by actor Nigel Boyle, has been a reoccurring character since series 1, appearing in series 1, 4 and 6.
Series 6 saw Buckells working as a DCI and the station chief at Hillside Lane Station. However, it was clear to see that his ways of policing hadn't changed, with DI Kate Fleming bringing to light that Buckells made a serious mistake in filing paperwork during the Beechwood House surveillance.
This all made sense in the final episode, where Buckells was unveiled as the fourth member of H.
What other shows has Nigel Boyle appeared in?
Nigel has also appeared in Peaky Blinders and The Enfield Haunting.
Tommy Jessop as Terry Boyle (Ross Turner)
First joined the cast: Series 1
If you remember correctly, the character of Terry Boyle first made an appearance in Line of Duty way back in series 1 in 2012, originally played by actor Elliott Rosen. Terry, who has Down Syndrome, was manipulated by the OCG to hide the body of Jackie Laverty in his freezer, before returning in series 5, this time played by actor Tommy Jessop.
Just 15 minutes into series 6, Tommy's character Terry made an appearance, being arrested as the main suspect of journalist Gail Vella's murder, under the false name of Ross Turner - a name given by the CHIS.
After evidence was found by DCI Joanne Davidson early in the series, Terry was once again being framed by an OCG, but he was acquitted of all charges when the real suspect was found in episode 7.
What other shows has Tommy Jessop appeared in?
Tommy has appeared in shows such as Holby City, Off Their Rockers and Coming Down The Mountain and Casualty.
Gregory Piper as Ryan Pilkington
First joined the cast: Series 1
If you cast you minds back to series 1, actor Gregory Piper played the role of 'soft lad', 13-year-old Ryan, a teen who delivered burner phones on his bike for Tommy Hunter.
Ryan was then re-introduced into the cast in his early 20s in series 5, working alongside Lisa McQueen and John Corbett in the OCG. At the end of the series, Ryan attended an interview for Police College, before an epilogue showed him passing out as a student police officer.
In series 6, Ryan was a PC working in DCI Joanne Davidson's murder squad on the murder of Gail Vella.
After attempting to murder Terry Boyle and being involved in THAT tense shoot-out with DI Fleming, Ryan was pronounced dead after a double shot from Kate.
What other shows has Gregory Piper appeared in?
Although Line of Duty is Gregory's biggest role to date, he's also appeared in Shrine of Duty, Frankie and Fixed.
Keeley Hawes as Detective Inspector Lindsay Denton
First joined the cast: Series 2
Keeley Hawes was one of the main characters in Line of Duty in series 2 and 3, playing the role of Detective Inspector Lindsay Denton, who was the only officer to survive when a protected witness convoy was ambushed. After suspicions about DI Denton rose with AC-12, the officer was forced to plead her innocence.
In series 3, DI Denton was granted an appeal, but she was later murdered by 'The Caddy' after she discovered crucial evidence about the Danny Waldron murder in series 1.
What other shows has Keeley Hawes appeared in?
Keeley has appeared in an array of TV shows, including Spooks, The Durrells and Bodyguard.
Thandie Newton as Detective Chief Inspector Roz Huntley
First joined the cast: Series 4
Thandie Newton played the role of DCI Roz Huntley in series 4, with her character being the senior investigating officer of 'Operation Trapdoor'. The divisive detective was certainly a major part of the last season, and ended up being sent to prison for 10 years for manslaughter.
What other shows has Thandie Newton appeared in?
Thandie is a huge star, and got her big break starring in Mission Impossible II opposite Tom Cruise in 2000. After starring in Crash, she had parts in The Pursuit of Happyness and Run Fatboy Run, and had a main role in Westworld as Maeve Millay.
Anneika Rose as Sergeant Farida Jatri
First joined the cast: Series 4
Anneika Rose's character first appeared in Line of Duty in series 4, where she was acting as a PC on DCI Roz Huntley's Operation Trapdoor.
However, her character reappeared in series 6 with a promotion to Sergeant Farida Jatri working at Hillside Lane Station in the murder investigation squad.
It was also made aware to viewers at the start of series 6 that Sergeant Farida Jatri is the ex-girlfriend of newcomer DCI Joanne Davidson. Despite being held in prison for the majority of series 6, it was confirmed at the end of episode 7 that all charges had been dropped, with her returning to active duty as a Sergeant at Hillside Lane Station.
What other shows has Anneika Rose appeared in?
Anneika has appeared in shows such as Ackley Bridge, Taggart, The Good Karma Hospital, and Deadwater Fell.
Elizabeth Rider as DCC Andrea Wise
First joined the cast: Series 5
Operating out of Pelbury House, Elizabeth Rider's character DCC Andrea Wise first made an appearance in series 5, being promoted to Deputy Chief Constable following Mike Dryden's resignation.
It's safe to say DCC Andrea Wise isn't a fan of AC-12, Superintendent Ted Hastings especially, shutting down many of their operations and refusing to give them access to important documents. Many fans of the show did suspect she could be 'H'.
What other shows has Elizabeth Rider appeared in?
Elizabeth has appeared in a number of high profile dramas, including Doctor Foster, Waking The Dead, Informer and Doc Martin.
Ace Bhatti as PCC Rohan Sindwhani
First joined the cast: Series 5
Ace Bhatti's character Rohan Sindwhani first joined the cast of Line of Duty in series 5, taking over from Paula Reid as the Police and Crime Commissioner.
PCC Rohan Sindwhani worked closely alongside DCC Andrea Wise in series 5 and 6, despite Sindwhani not enjoying going against his principles of transparency.
What other shows has Ace Bhatti appeared in?
Ace is probably most well-known for his role as villain Yusef Khan in EastEnders, but he has also appeared in Holby City, Midsomer Murders, Casualty, Spooks and Silent Witness.
Anna Maxwell Martin as Detective Chief Superintendent Patricia Carmichael
First joined the cast: Series 5
Actress Anna Maxwell Martin was first introduced to Line of Duty back in series 5, taking over from Superintendent Madeline Summers as the head of AC-3. You'll recognise her as being the officer who interviewed Ted Hastings following his arrest in series 5. Carmichael returned in series 6, taking over and disbanding AC-12 following Hastings' forced retirement.
What other shows has Anna Maxwell Martin appeared in?
Anna has appeared in a number of well-known shows, such as The Bletchley Circle, Bleak House, The Frankenstein Chronicles and Code 404.
Stephen Graham as John Corbett (Balaclava Man)
First joined the cast: Series 5
Stephen Graham joined season 5 of Line of Duty as John Corbett aka Balaclava Man. The BBC described his character as: 'Known to have links with corrupt police officers and suspected to be under direct command of the shadowy figure known only as 'H', Corbett and McQueen become persons of interest to AC-12 following an explosive chain of events.'
Whilst working as an undercover detective in season 5, Stephen's character John Corbett was killed by OCG member Ryan Pilkington.
What other shows has Stephen Graham appeared in?
Stephen is a hugely-successful actor, having appeared in shows including Boardwalk Empire, Peaky Blinders and This Is England.
Shalom Brune-Franklin as DC Chloe Bishop
First joined the cast: Series 6
It was announced in 2021 that actress Shalom Brune-Franklin would be joining the Line of Duty cast for series 6, playing the role of DC Chloe Bishop.
Chloe is the latest recruit to AC-12, with Shalom saying of the character, "Chloe is the newest member of AC-12. Like anyone starting a new job, she's so eager to prove to her bosses that she was the right choice. She's incredibly hardworking and we can see she's really trying to impress."
Despite some fan theories that she was the daughter of former character Tony Gates, it turned out Chloe was as straight as they come, helping her AC-12 colleagues bring down the bent coppers.
What other shows has Shalom Brune-Franklin appeared in?
You'll most likely recognise Shalom from her role in BBC drama Our Girl, playing Private Maisie Richards alongside Michelle Keegan. She also appeared in Roadkill in 2020, as well as Cursed, Moominvalley and Bad Mothers.
Kelly Macdonald as DCI Joanne Davidson
First joined the cast: Series 6
Line of Duty bosses first announced Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald would be joining the cast for series 6 in 2020, when filming resumed after the Coronavirus pandemic.
Kelly's character DCI Joanne Davidson was the latest police officer to be investigated by AC-12, with her character finding out Tommy Hunter was actually her dad and her uncle! Despite being held in custody whilst investigations took place, Joanne got acquitted of all charges, with her going on to find love with a mystery woman.
Jed Mercurio said of Kelly's casting, "We're honoured that Kelly Macdonald will join Martin, Vicky and Adrian in series six of Line Of Duty. DCI Joanne Davidson will prove the most enigmatic adversary AC-12 have ever faced."
What other shows has Kelly Macdonald appeared in?
As well as appearing in iconic film Trainspotting, Kelly has starred in a number of popular shows over the years, including Black Mirror, The Victim and Girl/Haji.
Perry Fitzpatrick as DS Chris Lomax
First joined the cast: Series 6
Another newcomer to the cast for series 6 was Perry Fitzpatrick, playing the role of DS Chris Lomax.
Lomax was DCI Joanne Davidson's junior on the murder squad at Hillside Lane, working on the same team as DI Kate Fleming and Sergeant Farida Jatri.
Despite many thinking Chris could be a bent copper, he proved a force in finding out Gail Vella's real murderer and had a great relationship with Kate.
What other shows has Perry Fitzpatrick appeared in?
Perry has a brilliant CV! Not only did he work alongside Vicky McClure in This Is England and I Am, he has also appeared in Peaky Blinders and Downtown Abbey.
Read more:
Line of Duty: What do all the technical acronyms really mean?
Line of Duty: Everything you need to know about the police drama
Who was in the cast of Line of Duty?