We don’t wish to give anyone false hope, but if the rumours are to be believed, Line of Duty could be back in our lives very soon.
The BBC police drama first hit screens in 2012 and ran until 2021, as we finally discovered the identity of the mystery figure known as ‘H’.
Vicky McClure, Martin Compston, and Adrian Dunbar were all part of its stellar cast, with appearances also made by Stephen Graham, Anna Maxwell Martin, and Keeley Hawes.
Viewers were totally hooked for six series, and, at one point, the show became the highest-rated series on BBC Two in 10 years.
After three years away from AC-12, the actors are reportedly keen to get back into their uniforms – and, well, they do have a group chat.
According to The Sun, Vicky, 41, Martin, 40, and Adrian, 66, met up with the show’s creator, Jed Mercurio, last week.
It’s said the actors, who starred as DC Kate Fleming, DS Steve Arnott, and Supt Ted Hastings, respectively, haven’t been able to sign on for a seventh series yet due to conflicting schedules.
However, that could be about to change.
An insider told the publication: ‘Jed is close with Vicky, Martin, and Adrian and they often meet for dinner — this time it was different.’
They added: ‘A topic of conversation was how they could align their schedules in 2025 to ensure Line of Duty 7 happens.
‘The ambition is filming could start next year, with it on screens by early 2026.’
All cast members have been open about their love for Line of Duty since it ended with an unsatisfying finale, and have shared their eagerness to return one day.
They’ve also been realistic, though, with Martin telling everyone two years ago to ‘wait for official confirmation’ before getting their hopes up.
Reflecting on a meeting earlier this year during an appearance on Good Morning Britain, he said: ‘Look, nothing’s changed. I’m really chuffed, we’re really delighted people still want us back.
‘That conversation, we had a really honest one whether we were all up for doing it again, and I believe we all are.
‘But unfortunately, at this point in time, there’s nothing immediate, there’s nothing coming very soon. I think we’d all like to at some point, it’s just all getting us together.’
That same year, Vicky said she had ‘nothing to tell’ fans.
The beloved actress added: ‘I speak to the lads all the time and we’d love to, we’re all game.
‘I think it’s just a case of now – Martin, I think he’s in about nine shows or something. He’s busy [but] I’m sure we’ll get there.’
Indeed, all cast members have had packed schedules since Line of Duty concluded.
Vicky took the lead in the hit ITV drama Trigger Point in 2022, while Martin has made two series of The Rig and also starred in Vigil.
Adrian has also appeared in a string of programmes, from Inside No. 9 to Ridley, plus stage shows like Kiss Me Kate.
Let’s keep everything crossed they can find an opening in their diaries soon…
The BBC has been contacted for comment.
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