BBC's hit police procedural Line of Duty set to return earlier than expected after 5 years away

Good news for Line of Duty fans as it seems that the wait for the new, hotly-anticipated season of BBC's hit police procedural might be coming sooner than expected.

In the new chapter, the AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, with a new DI character accused of abusing his power.

There's been a lot of noise around when season 7 would release, with The Sun now suggesting that the upcoming instalment would make the air in late January 2027, hence a few months before the initially teased release date.

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However, there hasn't been an official confirmation from the BBC just yet. Digital Spy has reached out to the BBC to find out more, but the broadcaster declined to comment.

Meanwhile, we know that the new batch of episodes will see Superintendent Ted Hastings reunite with DI Kate Fleming and DI Steve Arnott, played by Vicky McClure and Martin Compston.

New cast announced for season 7 also includes This City is Ours' Laura Aikman and Trainspotting star Robert Carlyle, with the synopsis for the new Line of Duty chapter teasing trouble for DI Dominic Gough, a lauded officer played by Tom Weston-Jones.

"Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer winning plaudits for a string of takedowns of organised crime, is accused of abusing his position of trust to act as a sexual predator," the synopsis reads, also hinting at the potential of a "bigger threat".

Earlier this year, Aikman appeared to have let slip when the new season would land on TV as she discussed her new role on a podcast.

"Yes, I'm in Line of Duty. It's coming out in January," the actor said when Walking the Dog podcast host Emily Dean quizzed her about the show's return.

Later on, Aikman seemed to play down her initial comment, saying: "I think January. I think January."

Line of Duty seasons 1-6 are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer. A seventh season has been confirmed, with a release date to be announced.

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Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).