After a divisive series finale back in 2021, Line of Duty received an unexpected update last year. The hugely popular BBC police drama was renewed for a seventh season, which has already wrapped filming.
The upcoming instalment will see Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar reprise their respective roles as DI Kate Fleming, DI Steve Arnott and Superintendent Ted Hastings.
Anticipation is building, and McClure appeared on The One Show on Friday (28 August) to promote the fourth season of Trigger Point, which premieres this weekend. She was also asked about the return of the BBC series, and how it felt to “get the gang back together”.
BBC
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“It was a bit surreal, to be honest,” she said. “Six years feels like a long time. Me, Martin and Adi stay in touch all the time, so it wasn’t weird to be together. But it was weird to act together because it had been such a big gap.”
The actor, who is also known for her roles in the This Is England franchise, explained how the trio managed to maintain their composure during filming, a notable challenge given they have a great relationship off the screen.
“The schedule’s tight, there isn’t any time to mess about,” quipped McClure. “You go ‘ah somebody’s got the giggles’. You know that one where the teacher’s getting annoyed which makes you wanna laugh more.”
The eagerly-awaited seventh season comes after a rebranding at AC-12, with the unit now being known as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. Kate, Steve and Ted are still there, but they they are faced with their most sensitive case to date.
World Production//BBC
Related: When is BBC’s Line of Duty season 7 coming out? Here’s everything we know
“Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer winning plaudits for a string of takedowns of organised crime, is accused of abusing his position of trust to act as a sexual predator,” reads the synopsis, which also teases the potential of a “bigger threat”.
As well as the familiar faces, the seventh season will also feature some newcomers, with Laura Aikman playing DC Paula Beckman. The star, who is known for The Split, recently appeared on the Walking the Dog podcast, and said that the show would return in January.
Line of Duty seasons 1-6 are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a “telly addict” since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.