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The beloved crime series Line of Duty is officially returning for its seventh season, confirmed by the BBC.

A brand new six-episode season created by the show's creator will begin filming in Belfast in the coming months, as confirmed by the network.

The actress shared her enthusiasm about the comeback, saying she was "thrilled" about the series' return. Her co-star added, "How wonderful it is to know that the Three Amigos will be reuniting together soon."

The previous series concluded in recent years with a final episode that attracted over 17 million viewers. Rumors about a new season have been circulating for some time, but confirmation only came recently.

Fresh Obstacles for AC-12

The seventh season begins with AC-12 no longer existing and renamed as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, as revealed by the announcement.

Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Adrian Dunbar's part continue working to tackle corruption within the law enforcement.

Their work "faces unprecedented challenges", and under these circumstances, these officers are assigned their "most delicate case to date."

New Character and Complex Case

An additional officer, Det Insp Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charming officer celebrated for takedowns of criminal networks, faces allegations of misusing his authority to become a sexual predator.

However, this investigation could be a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows, the teaser suggested.

In a statement, Jed Mercurio commented: "Everyone involved feels enormous gratitude to the show's fans."

"We're privileged to have had countless fans track the ups and downs of the unit over multiple series and we are thrilled to be coming back for a seventh season."

Mercurio continued: "Corruption in the UK was thought to be over while the series was not airing, so I've been forced to use my imagination."

Cast Reactions

The Scottish actor described being part of the police drama as "a job of a lifetime".

"Not only the program's popularity but the colleagues I've collaborated with I now call some of my closest friends."

"I'm excited to wear the uniform again and reunite with everyone," he added.

Vicky McClure stated: "It goes without saying I'm so excited the show is back! Can't wait to work with the creator, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we'll be there shortly!"

Adrian Dunbar commented: "As we count down the AC-12 days of Christmas, how exciting it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming soon."

"Delighted with the news and looking forward to those mercurial plot developments."

Series Legacy

Line of Duty launched in 2012 and became a highly successful television series of the last decade, featuring guest stars such as Stephen Graham.

The BBC has not yet announced when the new season will hit screens.

The finale of season six brought the long-running storyline about the hunt for kingpin known as "the mysterious H" to a close, and producers said at the moment there were no plans for additional seasons.

However, the corporation confirmed on this week that a seventh series is now in development.