While most problems in Line Of Duty can usually be resolved by those world-famous interrogations that the members of AC-12 conduct, not even the iconic Ted Hastings could stop coronavirus shutting down production on the new season.
However, to quote the great man, "now we're sucking diesel" because the show's creator Jed Mercurio has said that he's travelling into Belfast to commence filming on the new episodes.
However, the show's writer/creator was not too pleased with his fellow passengers on the flight to Belfast because they refused to wear masks.
Taking to Twitter, Mercurio confirmed that he'll be self-isolating in Belfast before filming recommences on Season 6 of the beloved drama.
Mercurio said that he'll be self-isolating before filming resumes, which indicates that production should be recommencing very soon.
Some comments re medical exemption. BA staff were unaware if these passengers were exempt because none had asked at the gate or during boarding. The flight attendant advised that, since BA don’t require proof, they don’t challenge non-compliance as anyone can claim exemption.
— Jed Mercurio (@jed_mercurio) August 27, 2020
During a recent web-based Q&A, the cast and crew of the beloved show were asked about the status of Line Of Duty Season 6.
When asked about the sixth series resuming production following delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Mercurio confirmed that a date has been set and said that the ultimate goal is to complete filming "before Christmas".
"We do [know the date]. It won't come as a surprise to us. There are a few things to figure out, but we're working towards a day. I know a date has been talked about in the press, but as usual, they got it wrong.
"We are working towards a day and if we can get over all the hurdles we will be back filming. We'd love to be on air next year, so we really have to make sure we complete our filming before Christmas," he said.
A few months ago, Mercurio said that the delay may result in his scripts having to be re-written to accommodate social distancing guidelines too.
"To be honest, it’s a good question about what we’re going to do. We’re still talking about it. There are some things we can do [to adapt to guidelines], very simple things that the audience won’t notice, like have as many scenes outdoors as possible, which allows social distancing of the crew and it’s a safer environment for COVID.
"We’re looking at things like that, which are invisible changes, but we’d have to think very carefully about doing visible changes," he said.
In terms of the scripts, Martin Compston (DS Steve Arnott) has also teased fans with a massive bombshell that's going to happen in the fourth episode of the new season. Mother of God!
In terms of the plot for Line Of Duty Season 6, Kelly Macdonald (Trainspotting, No Country For Old Men) will star as an "enigmatic" DCI whose unconventional conduct raises suspicions.
MacDonald will play Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Davidson, senior investigating officer of an unsolved murder. The Scottish actress will join lead actors Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar.
We can't wait to see what's in store.
It’s been a long few months to linger on that ep4 bombshell, I can tell you it was worth the wait @Jed_mercurio 🙌 pic.twitter.com/RmHMTJRYyh
— martin compston (@martin_compston) August 28, 2020
