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Entertainment February 20, 2026

TRAINSPOTTING STAR IGNITES Line of Duty: Season 7's SHOCKING New Faces REVEALED!

TRAINSPOTTING STAR IGNITES Line of Duty: Season 7's SHOCKING New Faces REVEALED!

The wait is finally over. After a seemingly endless hiatus, the gripping world of police corruption and intricate investigations will return with a seventh season ofLine of Duty. Production is set to begin this spring, promising a fresh wave of suspense and intrigue for devoted fans.

The core team – Martin Compston as Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure as Kate Fleming, and Adrian Dunbar as Ted Hastings – will once again be at the heart of the action. Their relentless pursuit of truth within the force will be tested like never before, as the landscape of AC-12 has dramatically shifted.

This season introduces a compelling new figure: Robert Carlyle, renowned for his role inTrainspotting, will take on the role of Detective Constable Shaun Massie. Carlyle joins a prestigious lineage of guest stars, following in the footsteps of talents like Stephen Graham and Thandiwe Newton, each adding layers of complexity to the show’s narrative.

Vicky McClure, left, and Kelly Macdonald in a scene from the BBC police drama series Line of Duty

Carlyle expressed his deep admiration for series creator Jed Mercurio, praising the “excellent” scripts and hinting at a character, DC Massie, that will be truly unforgettable. He anticipates bringing a nuanced and captivating performance to the screen.

The last viewers saw of AC-12, in the controversial finale of season six back in 2021, left many feeling unsatisfied. The revelation of “H’s” identity proved divisive, and expectations are now incredibly high for this new series to deliver a more resonant and satisfying resolution.

The stakes have been raised significantly. AC-12, as it was known, has been disbanded and reformed as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. Despite the rebranding, the fight against corruption continues, and the team is assigned their most sensitive case yet.

For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of Robert Carlyle who is to star as guest lead in the new series of Line of Duty. The 64-year old actor, known for Trainspotting and The Full Monty, will portray a specialist rifle officer Detective Constable Shaun Massie in the seventh series of the BBC show. He will join actors Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar who will reprise their roles in the next instalment of Jed Mercurio's hit crime thriller, which is due to air next year. Issue date: Thursday February 19, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Austin G Shirley/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption.

Detective Constable Massie is a seasoned marksman operating within Tactical Operations Unit 7 (TO-7), a specialized team focused on dismantling organized crime. He’s a solitary figure, fiercely independent, until accusations of predatory behavior surface against his commanding officer, DI Dominic Gough.

This accusation throws Massie’s carefully constructed world into turmoil, suggesting a deeper, more insidious threat lurking beneath the surface. The investigation promises to unravel a web of deceit and challenge the very foundations of the police force.

While a precise release date remains unconfirmed, the seventh season is slated to arrive on BBC iPlayer and BBC One sometime next year. Fans eagerly await the return of this critically acclaimed drama, bracing themselves for another thrilling ride into the murky depths of police misconduct.

Line of Duty (2012)

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