After speculation recently heated up regarding a potential seventh series of Line of Duty, we took it upon ourselves to get the answers millions of people are desperate for.
With a stellar cast comprising Vicky McClure, Adrian Dunbar, and Martin Compston, to name just three, the BBC police drama had the nation hooked for four years as armchair detectives put on their thinking caps to suss out the identity of the mystery figure known as ‘H’.
Alas, it all came to an end in 2021, despite us being desperate for more.
Since then, multiple reports have surfaced suggesting that a script is in the works, with the latest claiming AC-12 would be back in 2025 after the lead stars met up with creator Jed Mercurio to talk business.
So, when the opportunity to chat with Kate Fleming herself, aka Vicky, arose, we couldn’t resist asking the question on everybody’s lips.
Unfortunately for devout audiences, she can’t give us anything concrete.
Vicky admitted it’s ‘hard to ignore’ speculation online that a seventh series is happening (Picture: Lia Toby/Getty Images for the NTAs)
When asked if she and her co-stars pay attention to the rumours, Vicky admits they’re impossible to avoid.
‘It’s (the rumours) hard to ignore. We all read social media and all that kind of stuff,’ she tells Metro.
‘But the great thing is that people love the show and we’re truly grateful that people love it.’
On whether there are any updates on series 7, the actress adds: ‘But there is no news. That is the news, no news!’
Responding to the excitement that would inevitably ensue should Line of Duty come back to the small screen, Vicky says: ‘We made that show 10 years ago now, and it’s down to the audience that it’s the success that it is.’
Insiders previously alleged that Vicky, 41, Martin, 40, and Adrian, 66, haven’t been able to sign on for a seventh series yet due to conflicting schedules.
They added to The Sun that the trio, who starred as DC Kate Fleming, DS Steve Arnott, and Supt Ted Hastings, respectively, felt things were ‘different’ this time they met with Jed for dinner.
‘A topic of conversation was how they could align their schedules in 2025 to ensure Line of Duty 7 happens.
‘The ambition is filming could start next year, with it on screens by early 2026.’
So, it looks like we’re back to square one on that, but hey, if 2024 can bring us the return of Gavin and Stacey and Outnumbered, who’s to say Line of Duty won’t be next?
Also in our chat, Vicky reflects on her rise to prominence as one of the UK’s most loved TV stars.
The Trigger Point actress started out at just 15 before she went on to bag This is England in 2006, a film centring around a rebellious young boy as he joins a group of skinheads and his life takes a new direction.
This is England was funded by the National Lottery, which celebrates its 30th birthday this month by championing the incredible impact it has had on arts across the UK, having also raised £50billion for good causes.
As part of the milestone, 30 game-changing moments have been immortalised in an exhibition by photographer Thomas Duke, which was unveiled at The National Portrait Gallery in London.
This includes a scene of Lol (Vicky), Kelly (Chanel Cresswell), and Trev (Danielle Watson) rephotographed within the context of their original location.
Reminiscing on that point in her career, Vicky tells us: ‘I just remember feeling really free at that time because I didn’t know too much, and there’s a real beauty and naivety in not knowing how it all works and how the industry is running.
‘I didn’t know how a film set was made, so it was all new to me. I was just enjoying it. I remember having the best time with the best people.’
Feeling proud of how the film, set in 1983, has ‘stood the test of time’, Vicky acknowledges that it tackles hard-hitting and gritty drama head-on.
On why she’s attracted to such emotional roles, whether it be Channel 4’s I Am or series like Broadchurch, she says: ‘I’m drawn to them because they’re real. For me, I like to watch telly that I can identify with, as we all do, and that’s why I fell in love with it. I like to be emotive, and that can be the good and the bad.’
Speaking about the importance of the National Lottery and its funding, particularly for arts projects and mental health initiatives, Vicky expresses that she wouldn’t be in the position she’s in today without those opportunities as a working-class kid.
As an 11-year-old, she attended a TV workshop funded by what is now known to be ITV after being unable to afford the fees for prestigious performing arts academy Italia Conti.
‘You can’t put a price on somebody’s talent, and therefore we shouldn’t put a price on somebody being able to share their talents. Young aspiring actors can’t always get to London all the time for auditions or afford the fees for certain drama schools, and the National Lottery has identified that that’s a problem.
‘By backing these workshops, it’s breaking those barriers. I can tell you now that if it weren’t for the Television Workshop, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today.
Do you think Line of Duty will ever return?
‘Working class kids often aren’t given opportunities that come out of thin air; we have to fight for our place.’
She also praises how it’s helped Our Dementia Choir, which Vicky started five years ago, and allowed her to connect with other communities, instead of just being viewed as a fictional character.
‘One of the biggest things I love about life is the people. That’s communities, your neighbours, the people who help you out, and the people who help you out.
‘That, to me, is the meaning of life. We’ve got to all look after one another. I want to give people a shot who have given me a shot, and now I’ve got to a platform where I can share things that I’m passionate about.’
Vicky McClure sets the record straight after Line of Duty series 7 claims