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

An upcoming six-episode season written by the show's creator will begin filming in Northern Ireland in the coming months, as confirmed by the production team.

Vicky McClure expressed excitement about the return, saying she was "thrilled" about the show's renewal. Adrian Dunbar added, "How wonderful it is to know that the Three Amigos will be reuniting together next year."

The previous series concluded in 2021 with a finale that drew in more than 17 million viewers. Rumors about a new season have been widespread ever since, but confirmation only arrived recently.

Fresh Obstacles for AC-12

The seventh season begins with the anti-corruption unit having been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, as revealed by production details.

Martin Compston's character, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings remain tasked to tackle corruption within the police force.

The team's mission "has never been more difficult", and in this climate, these officers are assigned their "most sensitive case so far."

Fresh Face and Complex Case

An additional officer, DI Dominic Gough, described as a charismatic officer celebrated for busts of organized crime, faces allegations of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator.

However, this investigation might serve as a deliberate distraction from a larger danger still operating in the background, the teaser hinted.

Speaking about the renewal, the creator commented: "Everyone involved feels enormous gratitude to the dedicated viewers."

"It's an honor to have had countless fans track the developments of the unit over six previous seasons and we couldn't be more delighted to be coming back for a seventh installment."

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

Actor Responses

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

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

"I can't wait to pull the waistcoat on again and reunite with everyone," he said.

Vicky McClure remarked: "Obviously I'm so excited Line of Duty is back! Eager to work with the creator, Compston and Dunbar again. The city, we'll be there shortly!"

Adrian Dunbar commented: "While anticipating the AC-12 days of Christmas, how exciting it is to know that the central trio will be working together next year."

"Pleased with the news and anticipating those mercurial plot developments."

Show History

Line of Duty launched in the early 2010s and became a highly successful television series of the last decade, featuring notable actors such as Thandiwe Newton.

Broadcasters has not yet announced when the new season will premiere.

The conclusion of series six brought the extended plot about the search for kingpin known as "H" to a conclusion, and producers said at the time there were no intentions for additional seasons.

Nevertheless, the corporation announced on Tuesday that a seventh series is now being produced.