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The beloved police drama AC-12 is officially returning for its seventh installment, announced by the BBC.

A brand new six-part season written by Jed Mercurio will begin filming in Belfast this spring, as confirmed by the production team.

The actress shared her enthusiasm about the comeback, saying she was "thrilled" about the show's renewal. Adrian Dunbar remarked, "What a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together soon."

The last series wrapped up in 2021 with a finale that attracted more than 17 million viewers. Speculation about a potential return have been widespread for some time, but official word only arrived recently.

New Challenges for The Team

Series seven will open with AC-12 having been disbanded and renamed as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, according to the announcement.

Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings continue working to combat corruption within the police force.

The team's mission "has never been more difficult", and under these circumstances, these officers are assigned their "most delicate case so far."

Fresh Face and Complex Case

An additional officer, Det Insp Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charismatic officer celebrated for busts of criminal networks, is accused of misusing his authority to act as a sexual predator.

Yet, his case could be a deliberate distraction from a larger danger still operating in the shadows, plot details suggested.

Speaking about the renewal, the creator commented: "Everyone involved feels enormous gratitude to the show's fans."

"It's an honor to have had so many followers track the ups and downs of AC-12 over six previous seasons and we couldn't be more delighted to be coming back for a seventh season."

He added: "Misconduct in the UK was thought to be over while the series was off air, so I've been compelled to use my creativity."

Cast Reactions

Martin Compston described being part of the series as "the role of a career".

"Not only the show's success but the colleagues I've collaborated with I now call dear friends."

"I'm excited to wear the uniform again and get the team back together," he said.

The Nottingham-born actress stated: "It goes without saying I'm so excited Line of Duty is back! Can't wait to work with the creator, Martin and Dunbar again. Belfast, we'll be there shortly!"

Adrian Dunbar noted: "As we count down the unit return, how exciting it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming soon."

"Pleased with the news and anticipating those mercurial twists and turns."

Show History

The drama launched in the early 2010s and became a highly successful television series of the past ten years, attracting notable actors such as Kelly Macdonald.

Broadcasters has not yet announced when the upcoming series will hit screens.

The finale of series six brought the long-running storyline about the hunt for criminal mastermind known as "H" to a conclusion, and producers indicated at the moment there were no plans for further series.

Nevertheless, the network announced on Tuesday that a new season is now in development.