Line of Duty season 7: Is Line Of Duty coming back?

Line of Duty season six reached a record-breaking finale with 12.8 million viewers tuning in for the summer finale. But as fans ask is Line of Duty coming back and will there be a season 7, we look at why a return looks even more promising...

Line of Duty's season six finale has become the most-watched episode of a drama in 20 years and its overnight record-breaking popularity is about to put pressure on show creator Jed Mercurio when it comes to whether there will be a season seven.

A continuation of the popular drama series, which first hit screens back in 2012, is something fans would love to see and Adrian Dunbar previously teased it could come sooner than you think.

With Jed responding to disappointed viewers over the show's divisive finale, we're dying to know if Line of Duty will ever come back.

Is Line Of Duty coming back?

Line of Duty is could be set to return as a three-part special on BBC One - with stars Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston all said to be on board for filming an 'incredible twist', according to The Sun.

A TV insider said, “There’s a strong feeling that there was unfinished business.”

Line of Duty hasn't been renewed for another season and it's thought that season six was the last - however fans hit social media to urge the BBC to continue the show with a seventh season.

But with the tag line for the last episode of season six reading, "every investigation has led to this,” it feels as though the end of season six really was the last one. With the identity of the mysterious H finally uncovered, it's hard to see how the storyline could develop in the same way it has for the past six seasons.

But insiders have teased that three new episodes are on the cards - and are expected to air in 2023.

A TV insider added, "There was a very strong feeling, particularly among fans, that there was unfinished business with Line of Duty.

“Viewers weren’t satisfied with the ending of series six and were crying out for a more sensational conclusion — now Jed can deliver that.

“The question is whether the person we were led to believe was H really is the villain that AC-12 has been hunting or if it was another nemesis.

“There’s also a theory another, darker puppet-master is at work.

The insider concluded, “The fact that they’re looking at taking the unusual step of making three episodes rather than the usual six or seven is a reflection of just how special this is for the show.”

Writer and show creator Jed Mercurio previously appeared to have made a farewell post, dubbing Line of Duty as the 'highlight' of his career in his Twitter post which reads, 'Working with @Vicky_McClure @martin_compston #AdrianDunbar has been the highlight of my career. Thanks to the rest of the cast, our brilliant crews, and the production team @worldprods @BBCOne @BBCTwo for six incredible seasons.'

Jed also broke his silence on the controversial ending which some viewers felt was missing the dramatic exit that some anticipated. He tweeted, 'We're honoured and flattered by the viewing figures for #LineofDuty6. We knew attempting to explore the real nature of corruption in our society wouldn't appeal to everyone, but we do sincerely thank you all for watching. It's been our privilege to share your Sunday nights.'

And Vicky also wrote a lengthy post, which paid tribute to her co-stars by highlighting the 'life long friendships' they had all made, as well as the 'talented and caring' crew.

Whilst Martin wrote, 'Been a wild few weeks and mental 10years with the most amazing cast & crews. None more so than the 3 below who I'd be lost without. A job of a lifetime only made possible by the fans tuning in series after series, for that, I can't thank you all enough...'

When will season 7 of Line of Duty come out?

Season 7 - or perhaps the rumoured three-part special - is expected to air as soon as Christmas 2023. While it seems that the sixth season of Line of Duty was the last, it doesn't mean producers won't make a surprise announcement of a seventh series some day.

Ever since series three, the show has tended to launch in March. But that doesn't mean March 2022 should be marked in our diaries just yet.

There has also been a two-year gap between the past few seasons - added to this is the impact Covid-19 has had on filming, and fans probably shouldn't expect a Line of Duty season 7 to release before 2023.

Should the popular BBC drama return, while the mystery man that the team AC-12 has been hunting for so long has been resolved, there are still avenues that could be explored on-screen in future in terms of whether or not evidence of systemic corruption can be used in court.

Looking for something else to watch when we wait for a potential season 7? Try new spine-tingling drama, Vigil. The location where Vigil is filmed has become a recent must-visit destination after the BBC One show hit screens in August this year.

The show is produced by the same company as both Line of Duty and Bodyguard. It also stars LOD star Martin Compston.

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