Line of Duty fans have a theory about DS Steve Arnott after new on-set photos
The show's creator Jed Mercurio has shared some behind-the-scenes snaps
Last updated 19th May 2022
Following the postponement of filming for hit BBC drama Line of Duty earlier this year, fans are over the moon that the cast have reunited to film scenes for the hugely anticipated series six, which is now due to air in 2021.
The show's creator Jed Mercurio has been delighting fans by posting behind-the-scenes snaps from filming in Belfast, with popular cast members DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), DI Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) , and of course Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar).
But Jed's latest uploads have fans coming up with a brand new theory about Steve's ranking in the force.
Uploading a series of photos from the cast filming on the streets of Belfast, Jed wrote on Twitter, '#LineofDuty6 Another great week of filming in Belfast'. (sic)
Along with many excited comments about the new series, eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice Martin Compston's character Steve wasn't sporting the usual Sergeant rank on his police uniform, leading many to this he's been 'demoted'.
One fan asked, 'No Sgt stripes on @martin_compston uniform. Has he been demoted???', with another writing, 'Exactly what I was wondering. Undercover as a PC? Demoted, or a big omission!'. (sic)
A third commented, 'Steve’s not got his sgt stripes!?'.
Another added, 'Stevie boy demoted to PC?'.
Of course, bosses are yet to give away any details about series six of Line of Duty, but fans are seriously hoping to eventually discover who 'H' is, a storyline which has been ongoing for the last few series.
The new behind-the-scenes photos arrive just weeks after Jed shared snaps of a dramatic looking stunt.
Paying tribute to the show's amazing stunt team, Jed wrote, '#LineofDuty6 Huge respect to our stunts team led by Donal O’Farrell featuring ace stunt drivers Steph Carey and Dave Anders. It’s easy for me to write “van rolls” - they make it happen. Steph doubled for Keeley Hawes in S2 and hardcore LoD fans will recognise Dave from S4 ...' (sic)
Meanwhile, Scottish actor Martin appeared on The One Show back in August, where he revealed how different he thinks filming will be under the new Covid-19 restrictions.
He said, "I think there will be changes. There's going to be massive changes off-camera, just in terms of the protocols and social distancing, how many people can be on set… just people off-camera wearing masks and what not. So, it's going to be a completely different feel.
"In terms of changes on-screen, if there are changes that are possible in terms of moving scenes which were indoors to outdoors where possible. But, we really wouldn't want to compromise the scripts. The scripts are so good. People are so loyal to the show.
"There would be no way, no point, in coming back if we were going to compromise quality."
Now check out all of the TV shows we'd love to make a comeback:
Footballers' Wives
Broadcasting between 2002-2006, Footballers' Wives followed fictional Premier League football club Earls Park, as well as all of the drama from both the players and their fiery wives!
Bad Girls
Set inside a fictional women's prison, Bad Girls aired on ITV between 1996-2006 and featured some very famous faces, including Claire King and Debra Stephenson.
Benidorm
Airing for a huge 10 series between 2007 and 2018, ITV/STV sitcom Benidorm was a huge hit with fans. Ever since the show ended, fans have been begging creator Derren Litten to create more.
The Bill
First broadcast in 1983, police drama The Bill certainly proved popular, airing until 2010. The show focused on the lives and work of police officers and starred well-known actors such as Trudie Goodwin, Graham Cole and Mark Wingett.
Don't Try This At Home
Who remembers sitting down in front of the TV on a Saturday night, watching on as Davina McCall helped members of the public take on tough and fearful challenges?
This needs to come back!
Sabrina the Teenage Witch
She was confident, funny, magical AND she had a talking cat. Sabrina made us all want to be a witch!
The show was also rebooted between 2018 and 2020 as a Netflix series called Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Ugly Betty
Believe it or not, it's been a massive 16 years since Ugly Betty last aired on our screens! The show, which featured actress America Ferrera, followed a character called Betty Suarez, who despite her lack of 'style', landed a job at a very prestigious fashion magazine.
Where The Heart Is
The British drama, which was filmed in the Yorkshire town of Skelthwaite, proved very popular with viewers between 1997-2006, showcasing the lives of a group of district nurses and their families.
It's a Knockout
It was stupid, it was crazy, but it was certainly fun! It's a Knockout started way back in 1966, but the show made a number of returns on BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5!
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
We'd love to see Will Smith get back into his character alongside Carlton Banks, however we got the next best thing earlier this year, with the Fresh Prince reboot called Bel Air, which was released earlier this year where Jabari Banks played Will Smith.
Stars In Their Eyes
A true classic! Stars In Their Eyes, originally hosted by Leslie Crowther, first aired in 1990 with Matthew Kelly taking over in 1993. The show did make a return with Harry Hill in 2015, but it didn't quite take off!
The Queen's Nose
Who would have thought that rubbing a 50p coin would be so interesting? We used to love watching the adventures of Harmony as she used up her magic wishes.
Gossip Girl
Although the show was given a reboot in 2021 with a brand new cast, it didn't live up to expectations of the original series, which aired between 2007-2012.
Fun House
We used to love watching two schools battle each other in three rounds of madness. Bring back the gunge and Pat Sharp's crazy hairstyles!
Grange Hill
Despite being at school all day, we loved to come home and watch other people be at school. Strange. But gripping story lines and relatable characters had us glued to our screens.
London's Burning
Airing between 1988 and 2002, London's Burning documented the lives of a fictional London Fire Brigade Blue Watch at the fictional Blackwall fire station.
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory was on TV from 2007 until 2019. The show centred around two physicists who shared an apartment, Johnny Galecki as Leonard Hofstadter and Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper, and their friendship with Penny, played by Kaley Cuoco, who lived opposite.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones lasted for eight seasons between 2011 – 2019. The show starred Sean Bean as Eddard 'Ned' Stark and Kit Harington as Jon Snow.
House of Dragons is the new prequel but we really wish we'd have gotten more (or another ending) to the original Game of Thrones TV show. Who knows, maybe when the last book is out they might make some more episodes…
Series six of Line of Duty is expected to land in 2021, although no official date has been confirmed as of yet.