The highly anticipated seventh series of the BBC crime drama Line of Duty is set to be the concluding chapter for the beloved anti-corruption unit, AC-12. Actor Martin Compston, who has portrayed Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott since the show’s inception in 2012, confirmed the news, stating that while the upcoming season is “incredible,” it represents “the end of the story arc” that has captivated audiences for over a decade.
A Difficult but Ambitious Shoot
Compston, alongside co-stars Vicky McClure (DI Kate Fleming) and Adrian Dunbar (Superintendent Ted Hastings), is reprising his role for the new instalment, scheduled to air next year. Speaking on ITV’s This Morning, the Scottish actor revealed that the production for series seven has been particularly challenging. “I think with all of us coming back we probably… not got complacent, but thought it’d be a bit of a victory lap. It was genuinely the hardest one we’ve had to shoot. It was a pretty brutal shoot,” Compston shared. He attributed the difficulty to the ambitious scope of the new series, noting, “what we’re trying to achieve is very ambitious – we’ve got bigger and longer and more interview scenes, and a ton of action.”
Concluding the AC-12 Saga
While the exact end date of Line of Duty has been a subject of speculation, Compston’s comments strongly suggest that series seven will provide a definitive conclusion to the narrative threads woven throughout its run. “It’s not for me to say when the show will ever end – but I think this is the end of the story arc that’s been building since series one. Everything will come to a head in this one,” he explained. This statement follows previous discussions where the sixth series was widely believed to be the finale, a notion Compston directly addressed: “Well, this is the end. I think it’d be fair to say that this is the end.”
A Strong Script and Dramatic Climax
Compston expressed immense confidence in the writing for the upcoming series, calling it “the strongest script we’ve ever had.” He hinted at a significant plot development in the final episode, stating that something “dramatic” occurs, though he remained tight-lipped to avoid spoilers. “But I really do think it’s the strongest script we’ve ever had. If we do it justice, then we will be on to a winner,” he added, underscoring the high stakes and potential impact of the concluding episodes.
The Case and Returning Cast
The seventh series will see the anti-corruption unit, AC-12, facing its most sensitive case yet. The unit, which was previously disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, will be tasked with an investigation that promises to test the team to its limits. The ensemble cast is bolstered by a notable guest appearance from Scottish actor Robert Carlyle, whom Compston described as “the kindest, loveliest, most patient man.”
Several familiar faces are returning to the fold, including Mark Bonnar, Owen Teale, Perry Fitzpatrick, and Christina Chong. The new instalment also introduces fresh talent to the series. Among the new recruits are Laura Aikman, Amy Leigh Hickman, and Levi Brown, who will be taking on roles as detective constables. Additionally, Tom Weston-Jones joins the cast as Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, further enriching the dynamic of the show’s final act.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
For over a decade, Line of Duty has been a cornerstone of British television, lauded for its intricate plotting, compelling characters, and tense interrogation scenes. The show’s exploration of police corruption through the lens of AC-12 has resonated deeply with viewers, making its impending conclusion a significant event for fans. The upcoming series aims to tie up the complex narrative threads and deliver a satisfying resolution to the saga of Hastings, Arnott, and Fleming as they confront the darkest corners of institutional wrongdoing.
The commitment to delivering a powerful conclusion is evident in the reported intensity of the shoot and the confidence placed in the script. As the cameras roll on what is confirmed to be the final chapter, the cast and crew are focused on honouring the legacy of the series and providing an unforgettable finale that lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors. The culmination of AC-12’s journey promises to be a must-watch event for the show’s dedicated fanbase.
