Four years ago, Line of Duty came to a dramatic end when AC-12 finally unmasked Ian Buckells as H.
Yet despite Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) and his team nicking the ‘Fourth Man’, fans weren’t satisfied with the BBC series’ loose ends.
People wanted to know who killed Thurwell. Does Buckells get away with his crimes? And what the future holds for AC-12 now that Ted’s retired.
Indeed, for years, there have been endless rumours that writer Jed Mercurio was working on a seventh season of the show.
Finally, though, in November, the BBC officially confirmed that the team was returning to take down bent coppers and suck down more diesel than a thirsty locomotive.
And according to Martin Compston, who plays waistcoat aficionado DI Steve Arnott, we should all be very excited.
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‘The good thing about having these massive gaps is it gives Jed time to fully form the idea,’ he told Metro.
‘I’ve just got the first three scripts, and as you’d expect, they’re brilliant, proper page turners.
‘It’s really, really exciting stuff, but I’m just looking forward to getting back with my pals.’
Sadly, when we pressed for more details, Steve admitted he couldn’t tell us anything, joking: ‘Otherwise I won’t be back for season seven.’
Still, we’re not going to leave you floating up the Lagan in a bubble, and we do know some details about what’s going to happen in season seven.
Season seven will pick up where the sixth ended, with AC-12 having been disbanded and rebranded the Inspectorate of Police Standards.
When Steve and Kate Fleming (McClure) are stumped by a sensitive case, however, they’re forced to turn to Ted for help.
So, who is the corrupt cop at the centre of the story? Well, it’s Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a senior copper accused of sexual abuse.
Yet Gough’s case might not be as cut and dry as it first appears, and there are hints of a deeper, darker conspiracy.
‘Everyone involved in Line of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show’s fans,’ Mercurio said in a statement announcing Line of Duty’s return.
Are you excited for Line of Duty season 7?
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Yes
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No
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I don’t care about TV. I care about catching bent coppers!
‘We’re privileged to have had so many of you follow the ups and downs of AC-12 over six previous seasons, and we couldn’t be more delighted to be returning for a seventh.
‘Corruption in this country is supposed to have come to an end while Line of Duty was off air, so I’ve been forced to use my imagination.’
Line of Duty seasons 1-6 are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
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