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The beloved crime series AC-12 is officially returning for its 7th season, confirmed by the BBC.

A brand new six-episode season written by Jed Mercurio will begin filming in Belfast in the coming months, as confirmed by the production team.

Vicky McClure shared her enthusiasm about the return, saying she was "so excited" about the series' return. Adrian Dunbar remarked, "How wonderful it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together soon."

The last season concluded in recent years with a final episode that drew in over 17 million viewers. Rumors about a new season have been circulating ever since, but confirmation only arrived recently.

Fresh Obstacles for The Team

The seventh season will open with the anti-corruption unit no longer existing and renamed as the new police oversight body, according to the announcement.

Martin Compston's character, Kate Fleming, and Adrian Dunbar's part continue tasked to tackle misconduct within the police force.

Their work "has never been more difficult", and under these circumstances, the trio are assigned their "most delicate case so far."

Fresh Face and Complex Case

An additional officer, Det Insp Dominic Gough, described as a charming officer celebrated for busts of organized crime, faces allegations of misusing his authority to act as a offender.

However, this investigation could be a intentional diversion from a larger danger still operating in the background, plot details suggested.

Speaking about the renewal, the creator said: "All cast and crew are deeply thankful to the dedicated viewers."

"It's an honor to have had countless followers watch the developments of AC-12 over six previous seasons and we are thrilled to be coming back for a new season."

He added: "Corruption in this country is supposed to have ended while the series was not airing, so I've been compelled to use my imagination."

Cast Reactions

Martin Compston described being part of the series as "the role of a career".

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

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

The Nottingham-born actress remarked: "Obviously I'm very happy Line of Duty is returning! Can't wait to work with Jed, Compston and Adrian again. Belfast, we'll be there shortly!"

Adrian Dunbar commented: "As we count down the unit days of Christmas, what a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be working together soon."

"Delighted with the announcement and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns."

Series Legacy

The drama launched in the early 2010s and evolved into one of the most popular TV dramas of the past ten years, featuring notable actors such as Lennie James.

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

The finale of season six brought the extended plot about the search for criminal mastermind known as "the mysterious H" to a close, and the creative team said at the time there were no intentions for further series.

However, the network announced on Tuesday that a seventh series is now in development.