Line of Duty Season 7 Production Resumes After Belfast Riots Disruption

Filming for Line of Duty's seventh season was temporarily halted in June 2026 following violent riots that erupted in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The unrest was triggered by a stabbing incident involving Stephen Ogilvie, for which a Sudanese man named Hadi Alodid was charged with attempted murder. During the riots, rioters targeted properties and vehicles in immigrant communities, with Ofcom noting that some racially motivated violence appeared to have been incited through online platforms and social media.

Adrian Dunbar, who plays Detective Ted Hastings in the BBC thriller, confirmed the production pause in an interview with RTE Radio 1, stating that the disruption "wasn't great." He attributed the unrest to external influences and social media activity that mobilized people to take to the streets. However, Dunbar noted that a counter-demonstration by Belfast residents a few days later demonstrated the city's true sentiment toward immigrants, suggesting the riots represented only a small minority. The victim's family also issued a statement condemning the violence, emphasising that the unrest did not reflect their values and calling for peaceful responses rather than hostility toward migrant communities.

Beyond the civil unrest, the production faced additional challenges including adverse weather conditions and an incident involving cast member Martin Compston during filming with an Airsoft gun. Dunbar remarked that rain and wet conditions had significantly impacted outdoor shooting. Despite these setbacks, filming has since resumed with the production aiming for a 2027 premiere date.

Line of Duty's seventh season will comprise six episodes and reunite the core cast including Vicky McClure and Martin Compston alongside Dunbar. Creator Jed Mercurio is writing all scripts for the new run. The season will see AC-12 rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, with the team assigned to investigate Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic anti-corruption officer accused of abusing his position as a sexual predator. Guest stars include Robert Carlyle as DC Shaun Massie. The series marks the show's return five years after season six concluded in 2021.