BBC drama fans, get ready: two of the broadcaster’s most anticipated series are making headlines this week, each promising to inject fresh intrigue—and a few familiar faces—into the 2026 and 2027 television landscape. As filming for the seventh series of Line of Duty prepares to roll in spring 2026, and first-look images of the legal spin-off The Split Up hit the internet, it’s clear that the BBC is doubling down on gripping storytelling and top-tier talent.
Let’s start with Line of Duty, the crime juggernaut that left viewers on tenterhooks when it wrapped up its sixth series in 2021. The show’s return was confirmed at the close of 2025, sending fans into a frenzy of speculation about what’s next for the anti-corruption unit. The big news this week? Scottish star Robert Carlyle—known for his unforgettable roles in Trainspotting, The Full Monty, and 28 Weeks Later—will join the cast as Detective Constable Shaun Massie, a guest lead who’s sure to shake things up.
According to OK!, Carlyle’s casting adds even more star power to an ensemble already brimming with talent. Martin Compston, Adrian Dunbar, and Vicky McClure will all reprise their celebrated roles, much to the delight of long-time viewers. But it’s Carlyle’s character, DC Massie, who’s getting the early spotlight. Described as a Specialist Rifle Officer working with Tactical Operations Unit 7 (TO-7), Massie is an experienced sharpshooter and a bit of a gruff loner. The synopsis teases, “Massie keeps his own counsel, but when his superior, TO-7’s commanding officer DI Dominic Gough, is accused of being a sexual predator, Massie’s typically aloof demeanour alters drastically.”
The stakes for the new season are high, not just for the characters but for the institution itself. AC-12, the anti-corruption unit at the heart of the series, has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. This change reflects a new, more challenging climate for anti-corruption work—a theme that feels especially timely given ongoing real-world debates about police oversight and accountability. As the official synopsis puts it, “Anti-corruption work has never been more challenging, and in this demanding climate, Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings are tasked with their most sensitive case to date.”
For Carlyle, joining the show is a career milestone. He shared his excitement with OK!, saying, “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.”
Filming for series 7 kicks off in spring 2026, with the show set to air on BBC One in 2027. Fans will have to exercise patience, but if the buzz is any indication, the wait will be well worth it.
But that’s not the only drama making waves this week. On February 19, 2026, the BBC unveiled exclusive first-look photographs from The Split Up, a brand new legal series that’s both a spin-off and a reinvention of the 2018 hit The Split. While the original series captivated audiences with its razor-sharp look at London’s divorce lawyers, The Split Up heads north to Manchester and introduces an entirely new cast and storyline.
Leading the charge is Sanjeev Bhaskar, beloved for his work in Unforgotten, who stars as Dhruv Kishan, the patriarch of a formidable British South Asian family law practice called Kishan Law. Ritu Arya plays his daughter Aria, the firm’s rising star and heir apparent. The series promises to delve into the high-stakes, emotionally charged world of Manchester’s high-net-worth divorce sector, where family and business intertwine in sometimes explosive ways.
The plot thickens with the emergence of a family tragedy that throws succession plans into question. According to Wales Online, “The death of Aria’s mother has cast a new light over succession plans for Dhruv, who has begun to wonder if his daughter can, or should, take on this responsibility single-handedly.” As Aria prepares for her wedding to long-term partner Neal, her personal and professional lives become increasingly entangled—especially when a former secret flame, played by Dimitri Leonidas, reappears in Manchester, threatening to upend everything.
The family dynamic is further complicated by Aria’s siblings, Maya and Kav, whose own relationships and loyalties are anything but straightforward. The BBC’s first-look photos hint at the drama to come: one image captures a tense family discussion, another shows two women sharing a heartfelt hug during a festive occasion, and yet another depicts a poignant moment as Dhruv clutches Aria’s hand on the floor, surrounded by her siblings.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Aysha Kala, Arian Nik, Danny Ashok, Mawaan Rizwan, Sindhu Vee, Shalini Peiris (of The White Lotus fame), and Tom Forbes. The six-part series aims to blend legal intrigue with family drama, offering a fresh perspective on themes of legacy, loyalty, and love under pressure.
While the BBC has not yet confirmed an air date for The Split Up, anticipation is already mounting. The show’s premise—set against the backdrop of Manchester’s elite legal circles and focusing on a British South Asian family—marks a significant step forward in representation and storytelling for mainstream British television.
Both Line of Duty and The Split Up reflect the BBC’s ongoing commitment to high-quality drama that resonates with contemporary audiences. Whether it’s the gritty, morally complex world of police anti-corruption or the emotionally fraught corridors of family law, these series promise to keep viewers riveted—and talking—for months to come.
As the spring of 2026 approaches, fans of British drama have plenty to look forward to. With A-list talent, bold new storylines, and a willingness to tackle timely social issues, the BBC is setting the stage for another golden era of television. For now, all eyes are on the first glimpses and casting news, but soon enough, the stories themselves will take center stage—reminding us all why we keep coming back for more.