On March 19, 2025, actor Nigel Boyle appeared on BBC Breakfast to promote his latest role in CBBC's new comedy, High Hoops. Known for his performance in the hit series Line of Duty, Boyle's transition from gritty drama to a light-hearted family sitcom has sparked excitement among fans. High Hoops centers on a school basketball player navigating the challenges of success, love, and rivalry, featuring notable names such as Robert Webb and Isy Suttie.
The lively discussion on BBC Breakfast was not just about the new show; it also veered towards Line of Duty's potential return, a subject that continues to fascinate its large fan base. Hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent could not resist probing Boyle for any hints about the beloved series' future. Jon initiated the inquiry with, “Nigel, before you go, compulsory question. Line of Duty?” To this, Boyle playfully replied, “What about it?” Sally interjected, “Is it coming back, Nigel?”
Boyle's response was tantalizingly non-committal: “I can neither confirm nor deny. But I have heard that we are thinking about possible plot lines. But, it's for a future- it's a long way off, I think. Nothing is going to happen anytime soon.” This enigmatic reply didn’t dampen the hosts' spirits, with Jon interpreting it as a green light, remarking, “That sounds like it is confirmed to me!” Sally joined in, stating emphatically, “That's not a no.” However, the actor was quick to clarify, “Well, it's not a yes either! I just heard they were talking about it, but you know.”
Fans of the series will fondly remember Boyle's character, Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells, who has been a key figure since the series began airing in 2012. His role culminated in a shocking twist during the series finale in 2021 when Buckells was unveiled as 'H,' also known as 'the fourth man,' leading to his arrest due to involvement in a criminal conspiracy. This revelation marked a dramatic conclusion to his arc within the series.
As the conversation meandered back and forth about Line of Duty's possible revival, Jon asked if fans should start to feel hopeful. Boyle responded cautiously, stating, “I don't know, honestly. My character is in prison anyway, so that never ends well. I haven't heard anything concrete.” Sally interjected at this point, indicating that Boyle's character could indeed be pivotal to any future developments.
Boyle isn't the only cast member who has faced questions about a comeback. Fellow actor Martin Compston, known for his role as Sergeant Steve Arnott, appeared on Lorraine earlier that month. When asked about Line of Duty’s future, he expressed optimism, saying, “I mean, I hope so at some point. One of the great things about the success of that show is it's given us all a big career outside of it. I’m sure we'll get to it at some point. It's a sad day when people stop asking.”
This assurance from Compston offers a glimmer of hope to fans yearning for their favorite critical crime drama to return to screens. Compston remarked on how the success of the series has positively impacted the careers of its cast, noting that they are all currently busy with various projects, including his new show, Red Eye, and co-star Vicky McClure's work on Trigger Point.
As viewers tune in to see High Hoops on CBBC, the anticipation surrounding Line of Duty's future continues to fester. With Boyle promising that discussions are taking place, fans remain intrigued whether a new chapter will indeed unfold for the characters they have grown to love. For now, both High Hoops and the potential return of Line of Duty have captured public interest, intertwining the actors' current and future careers in the process.
BBC Breakfast continues to air weekdays on BBC One from 6 am, providing viewers with engaging segments that explore entertainment and news alike. Line of Duty remains available to stream on BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to revisit the intricate storylines and character developments that kept them on the edge of their seats throughout its span.
