LINE OF DUTY 'DEFINITELY' RETURNING FOR SEVENTH SERIES, SAYS ADRIAN DUNBAR

Adrian Dunbar has added fresh speculation to the long-standing rumours that Line Of Duty could be set to return to screens for a seventh series.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Adrian Dunbar said on Line Of Duty: "Oh, it’s definitely coming back. Some time next year. We're just waiting for the BBC to announce it. I know Jed is writing. And Martin and Vicky are very keen."

A source told The Sun newspaper earlier this year: "The BBC almost immediately requested more episodes to continue the story, but the success of the show meant Vicky, Martin and Adrian were instantly snapped up for other projects. But after several meetings with Jed [Mercurio] and the production team, they’ve finally managed to clear space in their calendars next year to commit to making the show”"

Earlier this year, Christina Chong, who plays DI Nicola Rogerson in the BBC series, has seemingly let slip that the cast are being asked for availability, with the aim of filming the series later this year. She said (via MailOnline): "So I have been asked about a season, is it seven? Yeah. Potentially Nicola Rogerson will be back for season 7."

A source told The Sun last year: "Jed is close with Vicky, Martin and Adrian and they often meet for dinner - this time it was different. 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."

Meanwhile, ITV have commissioned a third and fourth series of Trigger Point starring Line Of Duty's Vicky McClure and produced by HTM Television in association with All3Media International after the second series averaged 8.1m viewers across the series.

Starring Vicky McClure in the lead role of bomb disposal operative or ‘expo’ Lana Washington, Trigger Point follows a team of bomb disposal officers (EXPOs) as they work to keep the capital safe from explosive devices and terrorist threats.

Alongside Vicky McClure, returning cast members for series three include Eric Shango (On The Edge), Nabil Elouahabi (Blue Lights, Unforgotten), Natalie Simpson (North Sea Connection) and Maanuv Thiara (DI Ray, Landscapers).

In this third series, explosives officer Lana Washington and her team are called to investigate a bomb threat that soon reveals itself to be the start of a sinister vendetta. Someone is targeting individuals, and demanding revenge. Working alongside the Police Counterterrorism Unit, the Bomb Disposal Squad race against time to find the bomber before they claim their next victim.

Trigger Point is available on ITVX. More details about Line Of Duty will be announced in due course.