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The acclaimed police drama AC-12 is officially returning for its 7th season, announced by the BBC.

A brand new six-part series created by Jed Mercurio will begin filming in Belfast in the coming months, according to the network.

Vicky McClure expressed excitement about the return, saying she was "thrilled" about the show's renewal. Her co-star added, "What a joy it is to know that the main trio will be back filming together next year."

The previous series wrapped up in 2021 with a finale that drew in over 17 million viewers. Speculation about a potential return have been circulating ever since, but official word only came recently.

Fresh Obstacles for AC-12

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

Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure's role, and Adrian Dunbar's part remain tasked to combat corruption within the police force.

The team's mission "has never been more difficult", and in this climate, the trio are assigned their "most sensitive case to date."

Fresh Face and Intricate Plot

An additional officer, Det Insp Dominic Gough, described as a charismatic officer celebrated for takedowns of criminal networks, faces allegations of abusing his position to act as a sexual predator.

However, his case might serve as a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the background, plot details suggested.

In a statement, the creator said: "Everyone involved feels enormous gratitude to the dedicated viewers."

"It's an honor to have had so many followers track the developments of the unit over multiple series and we couldn't be more delighted to be returning for a seventh installment."

He added: "Misconduct in the UK is supposed to have ended while the series was off air, so I've been forced to use my imagination."

Actor Responses

Martin Compston called appearing in the police drama as "a job of a lifetime".

"Beyond the show's success but the colleagues I've worked with I now call dear friends."

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

The Nottingham-born actress stated: "It goes without saying I'm so excited Line of Duty is back! Eager to work with the creator, Martin and Dunbar again. The city, we'll see you soon!"

Adrian Dunbar commented: "While anticipating the AC-12 return, how exciting it is to know that the central trio will be back filming next year."

"Delighted with the news and anticipating those mercurial twists and turns."

Series Legacy

The drama premiered in the early 2010s and became one of the most popular television series of the last decade, attracting notable actors such as Kelly Macdonald.

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

The finale of series six brought the extended plot about the hunt for criminal mastermind known as "H" to a close, and the creative team indicated at the time there were no plans for further series.

Nevertheless, the corporation announced on Tuesday that a seventh series is now in development.