Line of Duty could return for three-part special

The Sun claimed on Thursday morning that stars Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin Compston are on board for the three-part BBC special.

The BBC hit-show features Black Country's very own Gregory Piper, who plays Sgt Ryan Pilkington.

Dudley actor Gregory has featured in 15 episodes of Line of Duty, and previously spoke about what it was like featuring in the show, and how his family get together to watch it.

He said: "I saw little bits before but it's brilliant to be able to watch the whole thing now. My heart feels like it's going to beat out of my chest every week, it's very surreal.

"It's a reminder of everything I've done."

Line of Duty was created by Jed Mercurio, who grew up in Cannock, and it was the best-performing drama series on BBC Two in ten years, before it was then broadcast on BBC One from series four onwards.

The sixth series aired on screens from March to May in 2021, and it had fans gripped right to the very end, something that the series has managed to achieve since it first burst onto our screens back in 2012.

Former Cannock schoolboy Mercurio has been lauded with praise for consistently creating 60 minutes full of twists, turns, thrills and spills - which constantly had viewers wanting more, and it looks like that is exactly what they will be getting, with a reported three-episode special.

Back in October Dunbar was asked presenter Susanna Read on ITV's Good Morning Britain if the show would return.

He shared that he really hoped it will return, saying: "I mean everyone is kind of gunning for it, so yeah. I'm sure the public want it.“

And with Christmas right around the corner, it throws up a reminder to one of the most famous lines from the series: "Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wee donkey" - a quote superintendent Ted Hastings became famous for.

Around 13 million tuned into the sixth series finale, but viewers were left feeling that it was more an anti-climax after learning that Det Supt Ian Buckells, played by Nigel Boyle, who is from Moseley, Birmingham, was the elusive mastermind with links to organised crime.

Fans of the show were left thinking if the ending or if creator Jed Mercurio, had other plans, following nine years of nail-biting storylines.

Series one of the hit show was filmed in Birmingham, including pub interiors in the Queen's Arms pub, based in the Jewellery Quarter.

If the series is confirmed, the final three parts could possibly be shown on TV screens as early as next Christmas.

The Express & Star has contacted the BBC for a response, but they declined to comment.