❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).
Line of Duty season 7 is "end of the story arc", reveals star Martin Compston
Expect some gruelling interrogations when the hit thriller returns.
BBC
- David Craig
Published: Thursday, 10 September 2026 at 10:42 am
Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 weeks for £10, including the Christmas double issue
Martin Compston has teased that Line of Duty season 7 marks an end to the story to date – but not necessarily to the show itself.
Ad
The actor, best known for playing AC-12's Steve Arnott, appeared on The One Show last night to promote his new documentary, Living Las Vegas, on Channel 4.
Inevitably, the conversation touched on Line of Duty's hotly anticipated return to our screens next year, reuniting Compston with longtime co-stars Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar.
Teasing what's in store for the embattled anti-corruption cops this time, he revealed that it was "definitely the hardest" season to film of the bunch.
"It was a pretty brutal shoot, but I think it's because what we're trying to achieve is really ambitious," explained Compston.
Want to see this content?
This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.
Accept and continue
"The sheer amount of interview scenes in this one is something we've never done. So, just as a mental test [it was challenging].
"We really had to rely on each other when one of us is having a down day, just going like, 'I don't know how I'm going to learn an 18-page scene in the next couple of days'."
Pushed on his thoughts on season 7, Compston was conscious that he didn't want to sound like a band member "flogging their next album". However, he seemed confident it was one of, if not the, best Line of Duty so far.
"I don’t know if it's the end of Line of Duty – that would be for Jed Mercurio to say – but it's the end of the story arc," the Red Eye and Revenge Club star continued.
"It's the end of everything that's been building since series 1. Everything is coming to a head and it's pretty explosive."
Vicky McClure, Martin Compston and Adrian Dunbar. BBC
Compston chalked the success of the new season up to Mercurio's careful planning, assuring viewers that the story was "fully formed" when cameras began rolling.
In stark contrast, the actor recalled working on shows that were only part-written at the start of production, and seeing first-hand how they can fall apart when the final scripts arrive.
"We knew exactly what Jed wanted to do with it. I think, hopefully, it's going to be everything that the fans wanted," added Compston.
Earlier this week, co-star Dunbar teased more unusual phrases from Ted Hastings in season 7. Meanwhile, at the National Television Awards, McClure walked away with an acting trophy for her turn in Trigger Point.
Line of Duty season 7 is coming to BBC One and iPlayer in 2027.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Ad
Add Line of Duty to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.
Authors
David CraigSenior Drama Writer
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
Ad
Ad
Get the Christmas double issue
Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.
Loading...
Ad
Loading...