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Line Of Duty creator Jed Mercurio has given fans another taste of what to expect from the seventh series of the hit show ahead of its eagerly anticipated return.
Cast-members Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar are currently shooting new scenes as AC-12, some five years after an anti-climactic sixth series divided viewers of the hugely popular police procedural.
Fans were largely disappointed by the controversial ending, during which bumbling Det Supt Ian Buckells, played by Nigel Boyle, was unmasked as ‘H’ – the shadowy criminal mastermind behind an intricate network of police corruption.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Mercurio shared a shot of Dunbar, dressed in full police uniform, looking out across a busy office as he prepared to film his latest scenes as Superintendent Ted Hastings.
‘There’s only one thing I’m interested in and one thing only and that’s bent coppers,’ read an accompanying caption – one of Hastings’ best known quotes.
The popular police drama originally aired on BBC Two, before moving to BBC One from its fourth series onwards.
In February, it was revealed that BAFTA-winning star Robert Carlyle had been cast as guest character Detective Constable Shaun Massie.
He follows in the footsteps of former guest stars Kelly Macdonald, Stephen Graham, Thandiwe Newton, Daniel Mays, Keeley Hawes and Lennie James.
Carlisle said of joining the cast: ‘Having been a huge admirer of Jed Mercurio’s work for many years, I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to join such an exceptional cast for series 7 of Line of Duty.
‘The scripts for the series are excellent and will absolutely maintain the quality that the audience have come to expect from this fantastic show.
‘DC Massie is an extraordinary character and I look forward to bringing him to life.’
Series writer Jed added: ‘On Line of Duty we’ve been honoured by the glittering guest leads who’ve joined the cast over the years.
‘We couldn’t be more thrilled that Robert Carlyle will star in series 7 as Specialist Rifle Officer Shaun Massie.
‘I’ve been a huge fan of Robert’s work for many years and it will be a career highlight to work with him.
‘Robert always brings mesmerising power and depth to every role; I know viewers will be on the edge of their seats wondering what his character will do next, and why.’
While director of BBC drama Lindsay Salt concluded: ‘Sometimes a piece of casting feels so right that you just can’t imagine anyone else.
‘Robert Carlyle is one of our greatest actors and the perfect fit for the phenomenon that is Line of Duty.’
Series seven of Line Of Duty will follow the familiar faces of AC-12 after it was been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards.
The anti-corruption unit will be seen working harder than ever as Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings are assigned their most sensitive case so far.
The synopsis teases: ‘Detective Constable Shaun Massie is a Specialist Rifle Officer (SRO), a veteran marksman, operating with Tactical Operations Unit 7 (TO-7) to take down Organised Crime Groups.
‘A gruff loner, Massie keeps himself to himself, but when his boss, TO-7’s commanding officer DI Dominic Gough, is accused of being a sexual predator, Massie’s otherwise detached demeanour changes drastically.’
Line Of Duty series seven is expected to air in 2027.