Gavin & Stacey star drops hint about mysterious role in Line of Duty as she joins for season 7

Gavin & Stacey star Laura Aikman has dropped a clue about her mysterious role in Line of Duty. The actor is joining the hit BBC drama when it returns for a seventh season next year.

In the upcoming episodes, AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. While we know Aikman will play newcomer DC Paula Beckman, details regarding the character have remained under wraps.

Speaking to Radio Times, Aikman reflected on her time on the show and shared a hint about DC Beckman's storyline. She revealed that majority of her scenes were filmed with fellow newcomer Robert Carlyle, who will play DC Shaun Massie.

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"The whole process of filming was great. I just got to hang out with Bobby every day and I loved it," she said. "He's really funny. He's naughty and a prankster and a sweetheart. He was like my partner in crime throughout."

While working with Carlyle was an added bonus, Aikman said that she's always been a fan of the crime drama and was "delighted" to have been offered the part.

"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."

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Though we don't know much about DC Beckman, her colleague DC Massie has been described as "a Specialist Rifle Officer (SRO)" and "a veteran marksman" who will play a pivotal role in the season.

The BBC synopsis continues: "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."

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

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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.