Throughout the years, Line of Duty fans know exactly what's about to happen when those doors close, the tape recorder is switched on, that long ominous beep rings out, and the members of AC-12 sit down to do their thing.
During five seasons of Jed Mercurio's beloved police drama, we've seen countless bent coppers and crooks breakdown and confess after being examined by Ted Hastings, DS Steve Arnott, and DI Kate Fleming.
For example, DCI Tony Gates, Lindsay Denton, John Corbett, DI Matthew "Dot" Cottan, and DCI Roz Huntley have all experienced the pressure-cooker of the famous glass box, but with the new season currently filming, it's time that we meet our new antagonist.
As always, the next season of the hit police thriller will feature a brand new case for AC-12 to investigate and this time around, they're pursuing DCI Joanne Davidson (Kelly Macdonald), the senior investigating officer on an unsolved murder case.
Taking to Twitter, the show's writer/creator Jed Mercurio gave us our first look at the star of Trainspotting and No Country For Old Men facing off against AC-12.
In terms of an official synopsis, Davidson has been described as an “enigmatic" senior investigating officer on an unsolved murder case, where she quickly becomes a new suspect.
Welcoming her to the series, Mercurio said, “DCI Joanne Davidson will prove the most enigmatic adversary AC-12 have ever faced.”
Here's the first look at her on set.
#LineofDuty6: AC-12 v DCI Jo Davidson. The teams go through their final warmups before battle commences ... pic.twitter.com/2kUcVFmFUn
— Jed Mercurio (@jed_mercurio) September 10, 2020
Elsewhere, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Perry Fitzpatrick, Andi Osho and Prasanna Puwanarajah have also been added to the cast for Season 6, which is set for release in 2021.
These new characters join series favourites Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) in the new season.
Speaking about the show's return, showrunner Jed Mercurio said: "We know Line of Duty fans are desperate for Series 6 and we hope we can get it on air as soon as possible. Thanks so much for your patience in these difficult times."
Mercurio has also teased fans with some other images of the cast and crew on set.
#LineOfDuty6: he’s finally floated up the Lagan to join @Vicky_McClure @martin_compston ... the Gaffer himself Mr. Adrian Dunbar pic.twitter.com/BHwERiKn5N
— Jed Mercurio (@jed_mercurio) September 3, 2020
#LineOfDuty 6: V-Mc is back and bent coppers are quaking in their boots @Vicky_McClure pic.twitter.com/F1qYH9LjMx
— Jed Mercurio (@jed_mercurio) September 2, 2020
Thanks to our dedicated cast and crew for keeping the #LineofDuty filming CoViD safe pic.twitter.com/dX0ZViRZr8
— Jed Mercurio (@jed_mercurio) September 1, 2020
Seems like a very long time between these two takes. It’s great to be back filming #LineofDuty. pic.twitter.com/OvkUxZQ6nI
— Jed Mercurio (@jed_mercurio) September 1, 2020
When I took this photo I was careful to keep the inmate opposite @martin_compston hidden but you can just about see an out-of-focus image on the camera monitor. Clue: it’s not Julia Montague. pic.twitter.com/rb7xdv8ybo
— Jed Mercurio (@jed_mercurio) September 1, 2020
Martin Compston (DS Steve Arnott) echoed Mercurio's statement when he said: “It’s been a long few months and it will be a different way of working from when we stopped, but I’m delighted to be back on the case with the Line of Duty team!”
Now that production on the new episodes has resumed, Vicky McClure (DI Kate Fleming) says: “We've been sitting on these incredible scripts for some time now, so I’m really looking forward to getting back to it and seeing the Line of Duty family.”
Season 6 had already started production in Belfast before it had to be shut down due to COVID-19.
A few months ago, Mercurio said that the delay may result in his scripts having to be re-written to accommodate social distancing guidelines.
Simon Heath, the Executive Producer for World Productions, says: “It’s been almost six months since we stopped shooting, but following our implementation of all the industry COVID protocols, we’re delighted to be able to resume filming series six safely.
"Together with independent health and safety consultants, in full consultation with industry partners, and in accordance with all current government guidelines on Covid-19, the Line of Duty production team will adhere to comprehensive protocols to ensure that the new series is produced in a safe and responsible manner."
We'll leave the last happy words to the gaffer, Adrian Dunbar (Supt. Ted Hastings).
“Even with the imposition of COVID restrictions, I can't hide my excitement at getting the team back together. So many people wondering…what happens next?" he said.
We're just one of them.
