“MOTHER OF GOD!” — IS LINE OF DUTY COMING BACK?

St. Patrick’s Day reunion of Martin Compston, Vicky McClure & Adrian Dunbar sends fans wild with talk of Season 7 — as insiders claim filming could begin in 2026

---

Line of Duty fever is back — and this time it might just be the real deal.

After a surprise St. Patrick’s Day meet-up between Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar, fans of the BBC’s biggest crime drama in a decade are convinced Season 7 is on the horizon.

The snap, shared on Instagram, shows the beloved AC-12 trio smiling over pints of Guinness, with Compston cheekily captioning: “St Paddy’s Day with one of Erin’s finest, the gaffer 🍀 Vicky’s here as well.”

Within minutes, social media lit up with theories, with fans asking if the meet-up was “just a friendly pint or a secret script meeting.”

---

Adrian Dunbar drops a major tease

While these reunions have become a tradition, Dunbar — famous for his booming “Mother of God!” as Superintendent Ted Hastings — recently gave fans the clearest hint yet that Jed Mercurio is already writing new episodes.

Speaking at a BBC drama panel last month, he said a return was “definitely happening at some point” and joked that Compston “better get back in shape to fit that waistcoat.”

“If Jed has a story to tell, we’ll be there,” Dunbar added. “He’s been busy, but he’s always thinking about AC-12.”

---

Christina Chong fuels speculation further

The buzz intensified when Christina Chong, who plays DI Nicola Rogerson, revealed she had been asked about her filming availability for late 2025 and early 2026.

“So I’ve been asked about Season 7, yes,” Chong told The Mirror. “It sounds like Rogerson may be back — but of course nothing is locked in.”

---

When could Line of Duty actually return?

Industry whispers suggest that filming could kick off in early 2026, with the BBC targeting a late 2026 or early 2027 premiere. No official confirmation has been given by the broadcaster, but insiders say “talks are active and Jed is writing.”

That timeline fits comments from Compston himself, who admitted to The Times earlier this year: “We’re all really busy right now, but I’d love to slip back into Steve’s waistcoat. If Jed calls, I’m in.”

---

Fan reaction: ‘Give us Ted shouting Mother of God — we’re in!’

Fans wasted no time flooding X and Instagram with excitement:

• “If Ted Hastings shouts ‘Mother of God!’ even once, I’m watching IMMEDIATELY.”

• “This better not just be another pub photo tease. We need AC-12 back!”

• “Jed Mercurio, don’t leave us hanging like Buckells did with that last twist.”

Some even claimed the background music in Compston’s Instagram Story was a track from the Series 3 soundtrack, sparking wild theories that the cast is already working on something.

---

Will AC-12 get the ending it deserves?

The controversial 2021 finale revealed the long-hunted “H” was not a criminal mastermind but the bumbling Ian Buckells — a twist that split the fanbase. Millions signed petitions urging Mercurio to give AC-12 a proper send-off.

Now, with cryptic cast meet-ups, availability checks, and direct teases from Dunbar, all signs point to unfinished business.

Will Steve Arnott return to his iconic waistcoat? Is Kate Fleming still undercover? And which bent copper will AC-12 hunt next?

For now, BBC bosses are staying tight-lipped. But if Dunbar’s hints are anything to go by, Ted Hastings may yet deliver one last thunderous “Mother of God!”