After five long years off screens, Line of Duty is officially on course for a dramatic return — and now Martin Compston has revealed the crucial “now or never” moment that convinced the cast it was finally time.
The hit BBC police drama last aired in 2021, with Compston leading the line-up as DI Steve Arnott alongside Vicky McClure’s Kate Fleming and Adrian Dunbar’s Ted Hastings. Earlier this year, fans were sent into a frenzy when it emerged the iconic AC-12 trio would reunite for a seventh series.
Now, speaking candidly on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Compston has confirmed the new six-part series — once again written by Jed Mercurio — is moving ahead, with filming expected to begin in Spring.
This time, the story picks up after AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded, following the trio as they continue their relentless fight against police corruption. A new central figure, Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, will be introduced — a decorated officer whose reputation begins to unravel after he is accused of abusing his power in deeply disturbing ways.
Reflecting on how the long-awaited comeback finally came together, Compston explained:
“Last year we got to the point where we said, ‘Right, let’s clear the decks for next year.’ We’re genuinely close pals — we speak all the time. Jed even went for a curry with me as soon as I landed the other night.”
He added that the passage of time itself forced their hand.
“We were all thinking, ‘Is it getting close to that time?’ We’re not getting any younger, and in terms of distance from the show, it felt like now or never. Leave it too long and you lose the momentum — even though that distance did give Jed the space to come up with a proper storyline.”
As for the scripts? Compston didn’t hold back.
“They’re fantastic. Proper page-turners. You’ve got to come back from a solid base — not just commission it for the sake of it. Everyone’s buzzing to get back.”
The confirmation comes as the BBC prepares a major announcement, with insiders saying the broadcaster is carefully timing the reveal after a five-year hiatus. The show is expected to return in 2026, thrilling fans who were left divided by the controversial series six finale, which saw bumbling Det Supt Ian Buckells exposed as the elusive ‘H’.
Mercurio himself acknowledged the pressure — and the irony — of reviving the drama.
“Everyone involved feels enormous gratitude to the fans,” he said. “We’re privileged to be returning for a seventh series. Corruption was supposed to have ended while Line of Duty was off air — so I’ve had to use my imagination.”
Compston described Line of Duty as “a job of a lifetime”, not just for its success, but for the friendships forged along the way.
“I can’t wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together.”
McClure echoed the excitement, teasing fans with a nod to filming locations:
“It goes without saying I’m so excited Line of Duty is back. Belfast — we’ll see you soon!”
Hints about the return have been mounting for months. Compston previously dropped a cryptic clue on the Nicky Byrne podcast, while Dunbar admitted on Radio Ulster that the cast were simply waiting on the BBC’s green light.
With schedules finally aligned and scripts locked in, the wheels are now firmly in motion — setting the stage for one of television’s most anticipated comebacks.
