The Sun exclusively revealed earlier this year how the show was returning for a seventh series; now the BBC have confirmed filming will start next spring in Belfast.
That means the six-parter could be on our screens by late 2026.
The new season, once again written by Jed Mercurio, kicks off with Central Police’s anti-corruption unit disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards.
There’ll also be a new villain appearing on the horizon in the form of sexual predator DI Dominic Gough – though the usual star guest signing playing them has not been confirmed.
Welcoming the news Adrian, 67, who plays Supt Ted Hastings, said: “As we count down the AC12 days of Christmas what a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together next year.
“Delighted with the news and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns.”
Martin, 41, who plays DS Steven Arnott said: “Line of Duty has been a job of a lifetime. Not only in terms of the show’s success but the people I’ve had the opportunity to work 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.”
Vicky, 42, aka DC Kate Fleming, added: “It goes without saying I’m so excited Line of Duty is back! Can’t wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we’ll see you soon!”
Series six aired in 2021, with the finale becoming the biggest drama episode, excluding soaps, since modern records began in 2002.
Taking catch-up views into consideration, it had over 17 million viewers after 28 days, and the Beeb will be expecting similarly high figures when it returns.
Fans of the show were generally unhappy about the lacklustre conclusion of the last series, when DSU Ian Buckells, played by Nigel Boyle, was seemingly exposed as arch villain H.
They will be expecting a more satisfactory continuation of the story in series seven.
Creator, writer and executive producer Jed Mercurio says: “Everyone involved in Line of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show’s fans.
“We’re privileged to have had so many of you follow the ups and downs of AC-12 over six previous seasons and we couldn’t be more delighted to be returning for a seventh.
“Corruption in this country is supposed to have come to an end while Line of Duty was off air so I’ve been forced to use my imagination.”
