When does the new series of Line Of Duty start? We’ve been waiting to tell you for months and now we finally have the answer!
On Saturday (February 27), the BBC confirmed that season 6 of the hit cop drama will be back on screens in March.
When is the new series of Line Of Duty on TV?
On Twitter, BBC One’s account announced the air date, revealing Line Of Duty would be back on screens on March 21.
The tweet featured the date in colourful numerals and a brief teaser.
Read more: BBC Line of Duty: Vicky McClure admits she wonders if show has ‘run its course’
The trailer showed Adrian Dunbar’s character, Ted Hastings, saying over a megaphone: “This is Superintendent Hastings, you’ll be treated fairly with the full protection of the law.”
CONFIRMED: The new series of #LineOfDuty starts Sunday 21 March on @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer. pic.twitter.com/dQ2vwACobW
— BBC One (@BBCOne) February 27, 2021
The clip also shows Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) looking serious.
Vicky McClure’s alter-ego, Kate Fleming, stands with her hand hovering over her pistol in the flashing blue lights of the police cars.
It’s not clear what’s going on, but fans think Kate looks guilty.
One said: “Kate Fleming, H?”
Another agreed: “I think that. Undercover all the time.”
A third tweeted: “Kate looking very guilty in this preview clip.”
I think that. Undercover all the time
— Stephen O'Neill (@boldyno1) February 27, 2021
Kate looking very guilty in this preview clip. pic.twitter.com/UVQ0zXA4jO
— Susan Seddon 💙✨ (@SuzeTwelve) February 27, 2021
One of my favourite shows ever!
— Joanna ⚫⚪ (@googoogajoob78) February 27, 2021
I have the bit that leads up to the end as
the ringtone on my phone. Love it.— Von (@BabsRambow) February 27, 2021
Will the new series of Line Of Duty include the pandemic?
The series, which paused filming for several months as a result of COVID-19, will reflect the pandemic in a small way.
There won’t be any coronavirus storylines and the characters won’t be social distancing.
We snuck in a few allegorical points in relation to the current situation.
But creator Jed Mercurio said there are “allegorical points” for eagle-eyed fans.
He said on Inside Culture with Mary Beard: “It is shot so that the pandemic is invisible… what we did decide to do was, we snuck in a few allegorical points in relation to the current situation, so sharp-eyed viewers should look out for those.”
What will happen in season 6?
The anti-corruption unit, AC-12, will be up against the “most enigmatic adversary” it has faced to date, when its members question Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Davidson.
Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald will play Joanne. AC-12 investigates her over her conduct in an unsolved murder case.
Read more: Jed Mercurio: Line of Duty creator worked as a doctor before TV career
Chatting to daytime TV host Lorraine Kelly about the character, Jed explained: “[Joanne] is the Senior Investigating Officer on a high-profile murder that remains unsolved over a year after the killing.
“And AC-12 get involved because there are question marks over her investigation.”
Kelly will be following in the footsteps of the show’s previous guest stars, including Lennie James, Keeley Hawes, Thandie Newton and, in the previous series, Stephen Graham.
Joining Kelly is fellow new cast member Shalom Brune-Franklin, from Our Girl, who will play DC Chloe Bishop.
Will you be tuning in for the new series of Line Of Duty? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.