The beloved police drama Line of Duty is officially returning for its seventh season, announced by the broadcaster.
A brand new six-part season created by Jed Mercurio will begin filming in Belfast in the coming months, as confirmed by the production team.
The actress shared her enthusiasm about the comeback, saying she was "thrilled" about the series' return. Her co-star remarked, "How wonderful it is to know that the main trio will be reuniting together next year."
The previous season concluded in recent years with a final episode that attracted over 17 million viewers. Speculation about a potential return have been circulating for some time, but official word only came recently.
Series seven will open with the anti-corruption unit having been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, as revealed by production details.
Martin Compston's character, Kate Fleming, and Adrian Dunbar's part remain tasked to tackle corruption within the law enforcement.
Their work "faces unprecedented challenges", and under these circumstances, these officers will take on their "most sensitive case so far."
A new character, Det Insp Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charming officer known for takedowns of organized crime, faces allegations of misusing his authority to act as a sexual predator.
However, this investigation could be a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still active in the shadows, plot details suggested.
Speaking about the renewal, Jed Mercurio commented: "All cast and crew feels enormous gratitude to the show's fans."
"It's an honor to have had countless fans watch the developments of AC-12 over multiple series and we couldn't be more delighted to be returning for a seventh installment."
Mercurio continued: "Corruption in this country was thought to be over while Line of Duty was not airing, so I've been forced to use my imagination."
The Scottish actor called being part of the police drama as "the role of a career".
"Not only the show's success but the people I've collaborated with I now call dear friends."
"I can't wait to wear the uniform again and get the team back together," he said.
Vicky McClure remarked: "Obviously I'm so excited the show is back! Eager to work with the creator, Compston and Adrian again. Belfast, we'll be there shortly!"
The veteran actor noted: "While anticipating the AC-12 days of Christmas, what a joy it is to know that the central trio will be back filming soon."
"Pleased with the news and looking forward to those unexpected plot developments."
The drama launched in the early 2010s and became one of the most popular television series of the last decade, attracting notable actors such as Thandiwe Newton.
Broadcasters has not yet announced exactly the upcoming series will premiere.
The conclusion of season six drew the extended plot about the search for kingpin known as "the mysterious H" to a close, and producers indicated at the time there were no intentions for further series.
However, the corporation confirmed on this week that a seventh series is now in development.
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