Fans of Line of Duty, Britain’s most-watched police drama, have reason to celebrate. Martin Compston, the actor behind DS Steve Arnott, has revealed that filming for the highly anticipated Season 7 will begin in spring 2026.
Known for keeping fans on edge, Compston teased that this new season will deliver “big revelations” and resolve lingering questions, promising another thrilling chapter in the battle against police corruption.
With all six previous seasons still available on BBC iPlayer, viewers can prepare for the next instalment while revisiting key moments from earlier episodes.
When Will Line of Duty Season 7 Be Released?
Although an official broadcast date has yet to be confirmed, filming is scheduled for spring 2026. Compston has emphasised that secrecy is key, leaving fans speculating about the plot twists and explosive revelations ahead.
“Some big revelations are coming that fans will not see coming,” Compston said, hinting at a season packed with suspense.
This timeline gives viewers ample opportunity to binge-watch past seasons and catch up on unresolved storylines.
Which Characters Are Returning?
Season 7 will reunite the beloved trio:
- Martin Compston as DS Steve Arnott
- Vicky McClure as DI Kate Fleming
- Adrian Dunbar as Superintendent Ted Hastings

Following the disbanding of AC-12, the team will now operate under the Inspectorate of Police Standards, taking on what producers describe as “the most sensitive case so far.”
Fresh Challenges in a New Unit
The shift to a new unit allows for fresh narrative possibilities while maintaining the continuity of the core cast. This change promises higher stakes and challenges that push the characters to their limits.
What Is the New Season’s Central Case?
The focus of Season 7 is Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer with a successful record against organised crime. However, Gough faces allegations of abusing his authority for predatory behaviour.
The official synopsis raises questions about whether Gough’s controversies are a distraction from deeper corruption.
This central mystery aligns with the show’s longstanding reputation for exploring the grey areas of policing, making audiences question what’s real and what’s hidden.
Will Season 7 Answer Unresolved Questions?
Season 6 was a record-breaker, drawing 12.8 million viewers during its premiere and capturing a 56.2% audience share. Compston has hinted that Season 7 will resolve some lingering mysteries from past series.
“There’s a new, strong storyline with new characters, and I’m sure there will be things getting answered from other series,” he said. For UK audiences, this promise of closure adds another layer of anticipation.
Jed Mercurio Continues to Lead
Creator and executive producer Jed Mercurio remains at the helm. Known for his intricate plotting, Mercurio brings his signature mix of tension and realism.
He joked about the hiatus: “Corruption in this country is supposed to have come to an end while Line of Duty was off air, so I’ve been forced to use my imagination.”
His continued involvement reassures fans that Season 7 will maintain the high standards of storytelling, suspense, and character depth.
Why Do Fans Love Line of Duty?
The series thrives on:
- Complex characters and moral dilemmas
- Intricate investigations and shocking twists
- Themes of corruption, loyalty, and justice
- With returning favourites, new characters, and a controversial new case, Season 7 promises to keep viewers engaged and talking about the series for months.
Martin Compston has confirmed that Line of Duty Season 7 will begin filming in spring 2026, bringing new twists and answers to lingering questions from previous seasons.
Returning cast members Compston, McClure, and Dunbar will operate under the Inspectorate of Police Standards, tackling a morally complex case centred on DI Dominic Gough.
With Jed Mercurio continuing as creator, fans can expect tension, drama, and shocking revelations that have become synonymous with the series.
For UK audiences, Season 7 promises closure on past storylines while introducing fresh twists and moral dilemmas. It’s shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone invested in Britain’s most popular police procedural.



