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The beloved crime series AC-12 is officially returning for its 7th installment, announced by the BBC.

A brand new six-part season created by Jed Mercurio starts production in Belfast this spring, according to the production team.

The actress expressed excitement about the comeback, saying she was "thrilled" about the show's renewal. Her co-star remarked, "What a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together soon."

The last season concluded in recent years with a final episode that attracted more than 17 million viewers. Rumors about a new season have been widespread ever since, but confirmation only arrived this week.

Fresh Obstacles for AC-12

The seventh season will open with the anti-corruption unit having been disbanded and renamed as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, according to production details.

Martin Compston's character, Vicky McClure's role, and Ted Hastings remain working to combat corruption within the police force.

The team's mission "faces unprecedented challenges", and under these circumstances, the trio are assigned their "most sensitive case to date."

New Character and Complex Case

An additional officer, Det Insp Dominic Gough, portrayed as a charming officer celebrated for busts of criminal networks, is accused of misusing his authority to become a sexual predator.

However, his case might serve as a intentional diversion from a larger danger still active in the background, plot details hinted.

In a statement, Jed Mercurio said: "Everyone involved feels enormous gratitude to the show's fans."

"We're privileged to have had so many fans track the ups and downs of the unit over multiple series and we are thrilled to be returning for a new installment."

Mercurio continued: "Corruption in the UK is supposed to have ended while the series was not airing, so I've been forced to use my imagination."

Cast Reactions

The Scottish actor described appearing in the series as "the role of a career".

"Beyond the program's popularity but the colleagues I've collaborated 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," he added.

The Nottingham-born actress stated: "It goes without saying I'm so excited the show is returning! Can't wait to work with Jed, Compston and Adrian again. The city, we'll be there shortly!"

Adrian Dunbar noted: "As we count down the AC-12 days of Christmas, how exciting it is to know that the central trio will be back filming soon."

"Delighted with the announcement and anticipating those mercurial plot developments."

Series Legacy

Line of Duty launched in the early 2010s and became one of the most popular television series of the past ten years, attracting notable actors such as Stephen Graham.

The BBC haven't revealed when the new season will premiere.

The conclusion of season six brought the long-running storyline about the hunt for criminal mastermind known as "the mysterious H" to a close, and producers said at the moment there were no intentions for additional seasons.

Nevertheless, the network confirmed on this week that a new season is now being produced.