BBC reveals first look at Line of Duty’s long-awaited new season

'Now we're sucking diesel!'

S7 of the dark police drama wrapped filming in Belfast earlier this year. It will see Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar reprise their roles as Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming and Ted Hastings, respectively.

The new season sees the anti-corruption unit that polices the police, AC-12, disbanded. It is now rebranded as the Inspectorate of Professional Standards.

"Anti-corruption work has never been more difficult, and in this challenging climate, the trio are assigned their most sensitive case so far," the plot synopsis adds.

As previously announced, BAFTA-winning actor Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting) is the guest lead for the upcoming seasons. He plays Police Constable Shaun Massie, a veteran marksman, operating to take down organised crime groups.

"A gruff loner, Massie keeps himself to himself, but when his boss, DI Dominic Gough (Tom Weston-Jones, Warrior), is accused of being a sexual predator, Massie's otherwise detached demeanour changes drastically," the BBC states.

Previous Line of Duty cast members Mark Bonnar (former Deputy Chief Constable Mike Dryden), Owen Teale (Chief Constable Philip Osborne), Perry Fitzpatrick (DS Chris Lomax) and Christina Chong (DI Nicky Rogerson) all return to reprise their roles in the seventh season.

Line of Duty S7 is written and created by Jed Mercurio. He also directed episodes 4-6. Jennie Darnell (Trigger Point) directed the first three episodes.

The season six finale of Line of Duty aired all the way back in 2021. Fans of the hit police drama have been calling for more episodes since.

An exact release date for Line of Duty's return next year has not yet been set. For more images from S7, visit the BBC's website here.