On February 17, 2026, Scotland’s newspapers were abuzz with two stories that captured the nation’s attention: the future of free university tuition and a dramatic twist in one of the UK’s most beloved TV dramas, Line of Duty. While the debate over education policy continues to spark concern, it’s the return of Line of Duty—and the reopening of its infamous ‘H’ storyline—that’s set to dominate watercooler conversations for months to come.
According to BBC and other major outlets, the new seventh series of Line of Duty will begin filming in Belfast in March 2026. The show’s creator, Jed Mercurio, is bringing back the original stars—Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar—to reprise their iconic roles as members of the anti-corruption police unit. But there’s a twist: the unit, known as AC-12, has been disbanded and replaced by the Inspectorate of Police Standards, reflecting a new era both in the show and, perhaps, in the real world’s ongoing conversation about police oversight.
The anticipation for the new season is palpable, especially after the controversial ending of series six in 2021. That finale, which revealed the bumbling Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells as the elusive criminal mastermind ‘H,’ left many fans fuming. As reported by The Sun, viewers were so dissatisfied with the conclusion that the BBC felt compelled to commission another series. One source told The Sun, “There was genuine anger about the way series six ended and that was part of the reason that a seventh outing was ordered. But this is the first time that there’s been any news on whether they’ll bring back the ‘H’ storyline—and devotees will be thrilled to hear Jed will be giving them just what they want.”
It’s not just the fans who are excited. The show’s stars have expressed their enthusiasm about returning to the set. Martin Compston, who plays DI Steve Arnott, shared, “Line of Duty has been a job of a lifetime. Not only in terms of the show's success but the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with I now call some of my closest friends. I can’t wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together.” Vicky McClure, who stars as DI Kate Fleming, echoed his sentiments: “It goes without saying I’m so excited Line of Duty is back—can’t wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we’ll see you soon!” Adrian Dunbar, the indomitable Superintendent Ted Hastings, added, “As we count down the AC-12 days of Christmas what a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together next year. Delighted with the news and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns.”
The new series promises to revisit the ‘H’ plotline, which, despite being seemingly resolved in 2021, left many viewers unconvinced. As The Independent and Mirror note, the incoming storyline is likely to be a “sensational double-whammy,” intertwining the hunt for ‘H’ with the introduction of a new villain. This time, Detective Inspector Dominic Gough is under the microscope. Gough, described as a charismatic officer lauded for his crackdown on organized crime, faces accusations of abusing his position as a sexual predator. Yet, as the official press release teases, “Is Gough’s case a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows?”
Fans of the show will recognize that Line of Duty has always thrived on complexity, red herrings, and shifting allegiances. The return of Chief Constable Philip Osborne, played by Owen Teale, is another nod to the show’s intricate web of suspects and unresolved secrets. Osborne has been a recurring foe since the series’ debut in 2012, and his reappearance is sure to stoke speculation about his role in the overarching conspiracy.
The show’s creator, Jed Mercurio, addressed the expectations head-on, saying, “Everyone involved in Line of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show’s fans. We’re privileged to have had so many of you follow the ups and downs of AC-12 over six previous seasons, and we couldn’t be more delighted to be returning for a seventh. 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.” It’s a typically wry nod to the show’s reputation for blurring the lines between fiction and reality, and for holding a mirror up to the institutions it dramatizes.
The numbers speak for themselves: the series six finale drew an astonishing 12.8 million viewers on the night it aired, rising to 17 million over 28 days of catch-up viewing. According to The Sun, this made it the most-watched drama episode—excluding soaps—since modern records began in 2002. The appetite for more is clearly there, and the BBC’s decision to bring the show back for a six-part series, likely airing around Easter 2027, is a testament to its enduring popularity.
For those who have followed the show from the beginning, the unresolved questions around ‘H’ have been a source of endless debate. Was Buckells really the criminal mastermind, or just a pawn in a larger game? Could other characters—like Chief Constable Osborne, Superintendent Hastings, or even DCI Marcus Thurwell—still be hiding secrets? As one fan told The Sun, “No one expected Buckells so the wool was pulled over our eyes. I just felt it was very rushed and too many unanswered questions still.”
Mercurio and his team seem determined to address these lingering doubts. The new season’s focus on both Gough’s alleged crimes and the shadowy threat of ‘H’ suggests a return to the layered storytelling and nail-biting suspense that made Line of Duty a phenomenon in the first place. The addition of a new villain, whose identity remains under wraps, only adds to the intrigue. As is tradition, each series introduces a prominent guest star, and speculation is already rife about who will step into the role of Dominic Gough.
Meanwhile, the show’s move to rebrand AC-12 as the Inspectorate of Police Standards reflects not just a narrative shift, but perhaps a commentary on the evolving landscape of police accountability in the UK. Whether intentional or not, Line of Duty has often mirrored real-life debates about corruption, oversight, and public trust in law enforcement.
As filming kicks off in Belfast, fans across Scotland and beyond will be watching closely for set photos, casting announcements, and—of course—any clues about the fate of their favorite characters. With Mercurio at the helm and the original cast back in action, expectations couldn’t be higher. If the last decade has taught viewers anything, it’s to trust no one and expect the unexpected. The hunt for ‘H’ is far from over.