Gavin & Stacey star teases Line of Duty season 7 scenes with iconic actor in new role

There's not long to go until AC-12 is back on our screens, and yet so much of Line of Duty season 7 is still shrouded in mystery.

Jed Mercurio's beloved detective series is expected to return to the BBC in 2027 with a raft of familiar and brand-new faces.

Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar will be joined by Trainspotting actor Robert Carlyle, who is set to play Detective Constable Shaun Massie.

His character has been described as "a Specialist Rifle Officer (SRO), a veteran marksman, operating with Tactical Operations Unit 7 (TO-7) to take down Organised Crime Groups".

The BBC has also said of him: "A gruff loner, Massie keeps himself to himself, but when his boss, TO-7's commanding officer DI Dominic Gough, is accused of being a sexual predator, Massie's otherwise detached demeanour changes drastically."

It's clear Carlyle's character will be a pivotal part of the upcoming episodes, however less clear is how his co-star Laura Aikman will factor into the drama.

The actress, best known for playing Sonia in the final two episodes of Gavin & Stacey, has been announced as DC Paula Beckman, although nothing more has been revealed about the character.

However, in an exclusive chat with Radio Times, Aikman confirmed the majority of her scenes were filmed with Carlyle.

Speaking to promote her new play Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy, Aikman revealed of her Line of Duty experience: "The whole process of filming was great. I just got to hang out with Bobby every day and I loved it.

"He's really funny. He's naughty and a prankster and a sweetheart. He was like my partner in crime throughout."

Aikman added that working with Carlyle was part of the appeal of taking the role, but that she'd also been a fan of the series from day one.

"I couldn't believe it when they offered me that show," she said. "It just came in completely out of the blue so I was absolutely delighted. I've seen all of it. Gavin & Stacey was obviously a very iconic thing to get to be in, and it feels like similar to that.

"Then they said you're going to be playing alongside Robert Carlyle, which is like my dream come true. I am such a fan and every expectation I had of him, he completely exceeded."

After being announced for the series, Carlyle said in a statement: “Having been a huge admirer of Jed Mercurio’s work for many years, I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to join such an exceptional cast for series 7 of Line of Duty.

"The scripts for the series are excellent and will absolutely maintain the quality that the audience have come to expect from this fantastic show. DC Massie is an extraordinary character and I look forward to bringing him to life."

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So it looks like DC Paula Beckman and Detective Constable Shaun Massie will be working closely together this season...

The synopsis released so far says that AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards.

It's also been suggested that the show will return to the overarching H storyline, after some fans were left dissatisfied with how it wrapped up in season 6.

Laura Aikman and Michelle Dockery are currently starring in Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy at London's Stratford East theatre until 10 October 2026. Tickets are available now and you can watch a trailer below:

Line of Duty seasons 1–6 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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