New Line of Duty series ‘in development’ with release date sooner than expected

Now we're sucking diesel.

The most recent series of the acclaimed BBC police drama came to an end back in May 2021, with its controversial finale and the big reveal of H's identity.

Over six seasons, fans were gripped by some of the most gripping television imaginable as they tuned in to watch Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure), Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) and Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) try to root out the corruption within the police

With the conclusion of the H storyline though, many believed we'd seen the last of AC12 when the last series concluded. However, neither the BBC nor Mercurio ever made an official announcement about the show being over.

Now, rumours are once again swirling about a seventh Line of Duty series being on the way.

One of the main obstacles in the way of a new Line of Duty season is said to have been the conflicting work schedules of McClure, Compston and Dunbar.

But according to the Sun, the trio met up with Mercurio last week to discuss whether their schedules could soon align, opening the possibility for another series.

If they can, then we could see series seven of Line of Duty hitting our screens by early 2026,

A source told The Sun: "Jed is close with Vicky, Martin and Adrian and they often meet for dinner - this time it was different. A topic of conversation was how they could align their schedules in 2025 to ensure Line of Duty 7 happens. The ambition is filming could start next year, with it on screens by early 2026."

The cast have always refused to rule out a return for the show in the past.

Previously, McClure said: “I speak to the lads all the time and we’d love to, we’re all game. I think it’s just a case of now – Martin, I think he’s in about nine shows or something. He’s busy [but] I’m sure we’ll get there.”

And Dunbar said: “I think generally there’s a willingness amongst everybody to do something but I think we’re just going to have to wait a little bit longer.”

Meanwhile, Martin added: “I’m so chuffed that people want it back.

“But who knows? I’d love to work with the guys again. Adrian, Vicky and Jed are genuinely some of my closest friends. It’s been ten years together and we speak every other day, really.”

The show is one of the BBC’s most successful, and the last series was no different with the finale being watched by more than 15 million viewers, setting the record for the most watched episode of any drama since records began in 2002.

It has been a critical success as well, winning several awards, including Best Drama Series at this year’s National Television Awards.