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

A brand new six-part series created by Jed Mercurio will begin filming in Belfast in the coming months, as confirmed by the production team.

The actress expressed excitement about the comeback, stating she was "thrilled" about the show's renewal. Her co-star added, "How wonderful it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together soon."

The previous season wrapped up in 2021 with a final episode that attracted more than 17 million viewers. Rumors about a potential return have been widespread for some time, but official word only came this week.

Fresh Obstacles for The Team

The seventh season will open with AC-12 no longer existing and rebranded as the new police oversight body, according to the announcement.

Martin Compston's character, Vicky McClure's role, and Adrian Dunbar's part continue working to combat misconduct within the police force.

Their work "faces unprecedented challenges", and under these circumstances, these officers are assigned their "most sensitive case so far."

Fresh Face and Complex Case

A new character, Det Insp Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charming officer celebrated for takedowns of organized crime, faces allegations of misusing his authority to become a sexual predator.

Yet, this investigation might serve as a deliberate distraction from a larger danger still operating in the background, plot details suggested.

In a statement, the creator said: "All cast and crew feels enormous gratitude to the show's fans."

"We're privileged to have had countless followers track the ups and downs of the unit over multiple series and we couldn't be more delighted to be coming back for a seventh season."

He added: "Corruption in the UK is supposed to have ended while Line of Duty was off air, so I've been compelled to use my creativity."

Actor Responses

The Scottish actor described being part of the series as "the role of a career".

"Beyond the program's popularity but the people I've collaborated with I now call dear friends."

"I'm excited to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together," he added.

The Nottingham-born actress stated: "Obviously I'm so excited Line of Duty is returning! Eager to work with Jed, Martin and Dunbar again. The city, we'll be there shortly!"

The veteran actor noted: "As we count down the AC-12 days of Christmas, how exciting it is to know that the central trio will be back filming next year."

"Delighted with the announcement and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns."

Show History

Line of Duty launched in 2012 and evolved into a highly successful TV dramas of the last decade, attracting notable actors such as Kelly Macdonald.

The BBC haven't revealed when the new season will premiere.

The conclusion of season six drew the long-running storyline about the search for kingpin known as "H" to a close, and the creative team said at the moment there were no plans for further series.

However, the network confirmed on Tuesday that a new season is now in development.