Line of Duty confirmed for TV comeback four years after dramatic finale
Line of Duty is making a comeback to screens.
The BBC's police procedural drama initially aired over the course of six series from 2012 until 2021 and now Adrian Dunbar, who starred as Superintendent Ted Hastings, has confirmed that the show's creator Jed Merucio is working on a new script. He said: "We're really excited about getting our hands on a Line of Duty script, to see what happens to us."
The Ridley star did admit that an official announcement is yet to be made, but teased what is to come on the programme, which could air in 2026, as he told The Times: "It is down to the BBC to make an announcement, but we're keeping our fingers crossed that next year we'll be working on a new series. No doubt Jed will think of some interesting twists and turns."
Adrian starred alongside Vicky McClure, and Martin Compston amongst a host of others on what became the broadcaster's highest-rated drama series in almost 20 years when it initially aired.
For nine years, fans of the crime drama were gripped as they watched Hastings and his team try to track down a villain who went by the code name "H".
Martin played DS Steve Arnott in the show, which came to an end in 2021 when his character and his team discovered the identity of "H". It was recently rumoured that a reunion was on the cards and Adrian's confirmation about a new script come just weeks after Martin himself spoke out on the idea of more episodes.
Martin shared details on whether viewers can expect more from the series. "We're always talking about possibilities and schedules and whatnot," he said to The Sun. Martin didn't dare share more and added: "Everybody's got stuff going on at the minute, so I think anything, unfortunately, would be a way off."
At the end of series six, the master villain was unmasked as Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells, played by Nigel Boyle - but some fans were disappointed by the reveal.
Now more crime-fuelled drama is reportedly expected to erupt as the cast are reuniting for new batch of episodes. Before Martin discussed a potential new series, a source told the same publication that Adrian, Vicky McClure and Martin will reunite to film six new episodes. The show, created by Jed Mercurio, is expected to begin filming in January 2026.
The Sun reported at the time: "This is the news Line of Duty fans have been waiting for since the sixth season left them deflated when it aired back in 2021. The BBC almost immediately requested more episodes to continue the story, but the success of the show meant Vicky, Martin and Adrian were instantly snapped up for other projects.
'But after several meetings with Jed [Mercurio, creator and writer] and the production team, they've finally managed to clear space in their calendars next year to commit to making the show.'
Christina Chong, who plays DI Nicola Rogerson, previously revealed she was contacted about reprising her role.
She told the Daily Mail: 'So I have been asked about a season, is it seven? Yeah. Potentially Nicola Rogerson will be back for season 7.'
Prior to all these, Adrian, said in August that he was desperate to get back into character for another series.
He told Good Housekeeping: 'We all want another series. We filmed our last series in lockdown, which meant we didn't get to do anything other than work, so we're really keen to get together for one last hurrah."
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