Line Of Duty ‘returns for explosive three-part climax next Christmas’ after ‘disappointing’ finale

Line of Duty is reportedly returning with an explosive climax to the series, after fans were left ‘disappointed’ by the cop show’s season six finale last year.  

According to The Sun Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compton are all reprising their roles for a three-part BBC special which could be transmitted as soon as Christmas 2023. 

An insider told the publication: ‘Viewers weren’t satisfied with the ending of series six and were crying out for a more sensational conclusion — now [writer] Jed [Mercurio] can deliver that’. 

‘The question is whether the person we were led to believe was H really is the villain that AC-12 has been hunting or if it was another nemesis’.

Before adding: ‘The fact that they’re looking at taking the unusual step of making three episodes rather than the usual six or seven is a reflection of just how special this is for the show.’

MailOnline have contacted BBC for comment. 

Line Of Duty fans across the nation were left ‘fuming’ as the nail-biting series finale drew to a close in May when the mysterious antagonist ‘H’ was finally unmasked.

Gutted: Line Of Duty fans across the nation were left ‘fuming’ as the nail-biting series finale drew to a close in May when the mysterious antagonist ‘H’ was finally unmasked as bumbling Ian Buckells (pictured) 

Seasoned fans took to social media in their droves to share their frustrations as officers from the police anti-corruption unit AC-12 discovered the identity of the elusive ‘fourth man’, who had been colluding with the organised crime group (OCG), was none other than the bumbling police man.

It saw the words ‘fuming’, ‘disappointing’ and ‘underwhelming’ all trend on social media in the aftermath of the show.

And the disbelief it could be him was compounded by the way he was only caught because of his repeated mis-spelling of the word ‘definitely’ – hardly the blunder of a hardened criminal mastermind.

Back in the saddle:  Adrian Dunbar (centre) Vicky McClure (right) and Martin Compton (left) are all reprising their roles for a three-part special which could be transmitted as soon as Christmas 2023

The detective – widely thought to have been just a bungling stooge – was first introduced to viewers in series one as the SIO in the case of murdered businesswoman Jackie Laverty by then Chief Superintendent Derek Hilton.

He later went on to become Detective Chief Inspector in series four before being promoted once more to Detective Superintendent in this final series.

It comes after Vicky McClure admitted that the show’s cast would all ‘love to’ return for another series but hinted that Martin Compston’s busy schedule might be an issue.

The actress, 39, appeared on Tuesday’s Good Morning Britain where she discussed the potential for the return of the BBC drama.  

And Vicky, who played DCI Kate Fleming in the show, said the cast would all ‘love to’.

However, she said her co-star Martin Compston, who played AC12’s Detective Inspector Steve Arnott, is very busy, implying it could cause an issue.

Speaking on GMB, she said: ‘I speak to the lads all the time, we’d all love to, we’re all game – Martin’s in nine shows! It’s busy, I’m sure we’ll get there.’

Vicky also admitted she is in a ‘busy’ Whatsapp chat with her Line Of Duty co-stars, which also includes Adrian Dunbar – who played Superintendent Ted Hastings. 

Hinting: It comes after Vicky McClure admitted that the show’s cast would all ‘love to’ return for another series but hinted that Martin Compston’s busy schedule might be an issue