Line Of Duty Cast: Where Are The AC-12 Stars And Will They Return In 2026?
The legacy of AC-12 continues to loom large over British television. Five years after the divisive Series 6 finale unmasked the elusive "Fourth Man," fans worldwide remain obsessed with the line of duty cast and their potential return to the interrogation room. As of August 4, 2026, the core trio of Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar remain some of the busiest stars in broadcasting, keeping hopes alive for a surprise reunion.
| Actor | Character | Key Role in AC-12 | Active Projects (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Compston | DI Steve Arnott | Anti-Corruption Investigator | The Rig, Mayflies, High-profile dramas |
| Vicky McClure | DI Kate Fleming | Undercover Specialist | Trigger Point, Insomnia, Theatre |
| Adrian Dunbar | Supt. Ted Hastings | Head of AC-12 | Ridley, West End Theatre production |
| Kelly Macdonald | DCI Joanne Davidson | Series 6 Guest Lead | International film and television |
The Power Trio Behind Television’s Most Intense Interrogations
The unparalleled chemistry of the primary line of duty cast is what turned the Jed Mercurio police procedural into a global phenomenon. Martin Compston shed his native Scottish accent to play the relentless DI Steve Arnott, a role that propelled him to household-name status. Since wrapping the sixth season, Compston has maintained a dominant presence on television, starring in Amazon's thriller The Rig and hosting popular travel documentaries.
Vicky McClure, who portrayed the steely undercover specialist DI Kate Fleming, has solidified her reputation as Britain’s premier action-drama actress. Her lead role in ITV's explosive thriller Trigger Point has kept audiences on the edge of their seats, while her advocacy for dementia awareness continues to make headlines.
Meanwhile, Adrian Dunbar—famous for Ted Hastings' iconic catchphrases like "Mother of God"—has split his time between leading the detective drama Ridley and commanding the stage in major London theatre productions.
How to Stream AC-12 and Keep Up With the Cast
For viewers looking to relive the high-stakes drama or discover the series for the first time in 2026, access remains highly straightforward across major digital platforms.
- United Kingdom: Every episode of all six seasons is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
- United States & Canada: The series can be streamed via BritBox and Acorn TV, which host the entire catalog of AC-12 investigations.
- Global Audiences: Viewers in other regions can access the show through local streaming partners or purchase individual seasons on digital storefronts like Prime Video and Apple TV.
Re-watching the series allows fans to appreciate the incredible roster of guest stars who faced off against the main line of duty cast, including Lennie James (Series 1), Keeley Hawes (Series 2 & 3), Thandiwe Newton (Series 4), Stephen Graham (Series 5), and Kelly Macdonald (Series 6).
"Line of Duty's new chapter": What "surprise" cast update means for the ...
Jed Mercurio’s Masterplan: Will Series 7 Ever Happen?
Speculation regarding a seventh season or a concluding three-part special has not quieted down in 2026. Showrunner Jed Mercurio and the core cast have repeatedly expressed a mutual desire to return to the world of anti-corruption. However, as of August 2026, the BBC has not officially greenlit a new series, with all parties emphasizing that any return depends on finding the perfect, high-stakes story.
While official announcements remain under wraps, the cast continues to tease reunions during public appearances and charity events. With the enduring popularity of the show and the cast's tight-knit real-life friendships, the book is far from closed on AC-12.
