Huge BBC show return confirmed by leading star - and fans don't have long to wait

A leading actor from Line of Duty revealed the BBC crime show is "definitely coming back" for a seventh series. Northern Irish star Adrian Dunbar, who played the role of Superintendent Ted Hastings in the gripping police drama, confirmed the much-loved series will be returning to UK screens in the near future.

Fans have been pleading for another instalment of the TV series after if came to an end in 2021 after six seasons. And now, Adrian has teased that another series could be on the cards. Speaking to the Sunday Telegraph, the 66-year-old actor revealed: "Oh it's definitely coming back. Some time next year. We're just waiting for the BBC to announce it.

"I know Jed [Mercurio] is writing. And Martin and Vicky and Martin and Vicky [Compston and McClure, who play Hastings's anti-corruption colleagues, Steve and Kate] are very keen."

In a separate interview with The Times, the Enniskillen native added: "We're really excited about getting our hands on a Line of Duty Script to see what happens to us. We've talked to the BBC.

"It is down to the BBC to make an announcement, but we're keeping our fingers crossed that next year we'll be working on a new series. No doubt Jed will think of some interesting twists and turns. We are as much in the dark as you are."

Adrian suggested that viewers were drawn to the series, particularly to his straight-laced character, owing to a time of political instability during Covid.

When the news of Partygate erupted, the political scandal that saw Tories dancing and drinking during a state-imposed lockdown - Adrian believes fans sought solace in Ted Hastings.

He told Belfast Telegraph: "When the Tories were dancing and having parties, people saw Line of Duty and thought, 'Surely somewhere there are people who, despite what it might mean to their careers, are willing to do the right thing?' I think that's why so many people gravitated towards Ted."

According to The Sun, the BBC cast will start filming the new six-part series next January when their other commitments have wrapped up. A TV insider told the outlet: "This is the news Line of Duty fans have been waiting for since the sixth season left them deflated when it aired back in 2021.

"The BBC almost immediately requested more episodes to continue the story, but the success of the show meant Vicky, Martin and Adrian were instantly snapped up for other projects."

The added: "But after several meetings with Jed [Mercurio, creator and writer] and the production team, they've finally managed to clear space in their calendars next year to commit to making the show."