Line of Duty is officially heading back into dangerous territory — and this time, it’s doing exactly what furious fans have been demanding for years.
According to reports, the seventh series of Line of Duty will pick up directly where it left off, with the iconic AC-12 unit once again reopening the hunt for the shadowy villain known as ‘H’.
The move is expected to thrill viewers who were left deeply divided — and in many cases outright angry — by the controversial series six finale in 2021, which revealed the bumbling Det Supt Ian Buckells (played by Nigel Boyle) as the long-rumoured mastermind behind institutional police corruption.
For many fans, the ending felt rushed, unsatisfying, and far too neat.
Now, insiders say the writers have listened.
‘VIEWERS WERE GENUINELY ANGRY’
Filming for the new six-part series is set to begin in spring, with creator Jed Mercurio reportedly determined to “give viewers what they want” by revisiting — and expanding — the unfinished ‘H’ storyline.
A TV insider told The Sun:
“There was genuine anger about the way series six ended, and that was part of the reason a seventh outing was ordered. This is the first time there’s been real clarity about bringing back the ‘H’ storyline — and devotees will be absolutely thrilled.”
While a new villain is also expected to be introduced — continuing a tradition seen in every previous season — sources say the incoming antagonist’s storyline will be closely intertwined with ‘H’, creating what’s being described as a “sensational double-whammy.”
A NEW INVESTIGATION — AND A DARK NEW THREAT
Alongside the reopened corruption probe, series seven will reportedly focus on a major investigation into new character Det Insp Dominic Gough — a decorated officer celebrated for a string of high-profile takedowns of organised crime gangs.
But his reputation soon comes under scrutiny when he is accused of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator, placing him firmly at the centre of AC-12’s renewed mission.
The storyline is expected to push the unit into dangerous moral territory once again — questioning power, accountability, and how deeply corruption truly runs.
THE AC-12 TRIO RETURN
Fan favourites Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar are all confirmed to return as DI Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming and Superintendent Ted Hastings.
Chief Constable Philip Osborne — portrayed by Owen Teale — will also reappear, once again positioned as a “sworn enemy” of both Arnott and Hastings.
The series will follow AC-12 after it was disbanded and rebranded, raising fresh questions about whether justice can still be served — or whether the system has finally beaten them.
‘NOW OR NEVER’
In a statement announcing the show’s return, Jed Mercurio said:
“Everyone involved in Line of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the fans. We’re privileged to have had so many of you follow the ups and downs of AC-12 over six seasons — and we couldn’t be more delighted to return for a seventh.”
He added wryly:
“Corruption in this country was supposed to have come to an end while Line of Duty was off air — so I’ve been forced to use my imagination.”
Martin Compston described the drama as “a job of a lifetime”, admitting the cast felt the timing was now critical.
Speaking on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show, he said:
“We got to the point where we said, ‘Right, let’s clear the decks.’ It felt like now or never. The scripts are fantastic — proper page-turners — and we’re all buzzing to get back.”
Vicky McClure echoed the excitement, adding:
“It goes without saying I’m so excited Line of Duty is back. Belfast — we’ll see you soon!”
A RATINGS GIANT RETURNS
Since its debut in 2012, Line of Duty has become one of the BBC’s biggest drama successes, regularly pulling in over 10 million viewers at its peak and dominating social media with every twist, theory and cliff-hanger.
With unresolved questions, renewed fan fury, and the long-buried ‘H’ mystery dragged back into the light, series seven is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated TV comebacks in years.
Whether it finally delivers the ending fans have been waiting for — or sparks fresh outrage — remains to be seen.
