With the release of the sixth season imminent, if you haven’t already indulged in the five previous seasons of the BBC series, Line of Duty, we suggest you do so ASAP.
Jed Mercurio’s show follows a (fictional) team of detectives in Anti-Corruption Unit 12 who are trying to ‘knick bent coppers’ – i.e. corrupt police.
While there is no release date as of yet for the new season, the BBC has confirmed there will be an extra episode this season – seven instead of the usual six – so we may finally find out who the elusive ‘H’ is.
Whether you’re a Line of Duty novice or long-time fan, we’ve detailed everything you need to know about the core cast (and their characters) below.
DS Steve Arnott
Played by: Martin Compston (@mrmartincompston)
Who is DS Steve Arnott? At the start of season one, DS Steve Arnott is working as an anti-terrorism officer but then transfers to the anti-corruption unit in the first episode (don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler). He’s spent the last five seasons investigating corrupt ‘coppers’ alongside DI Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar).
Where do I recognise Martin Compston from? As well as chasing corrupt police in Line of Duty, you probably recognise Martin Compston from BBC dramas, The Nest and Traces.
DI Kate Fleming
Played by: Vicky McClure (@vicky.mcclure)
Who is DI Kate Fleming? A member of the anti-corruption unit, Vicky McClure’s character specialises in undercover work. She was promoted from a DS to a DI in season four.
Where do I recognise Vicky McClure from? The better question is, where don’t you recognise McClure from? The actress has been in a string of British shows, including ITV’s Broadchurch, Amazon Prime’s Alex Rider and the 2006 film, This is England.
Superintendent Ted Hastings
Played by: Adrian Dunbar (the ‘gaffer’ is not on social media)
Who is Superintendent Ted Hastings? The leader of the pack, Ted Hastings is Arnott and Fleming’s superior and the senior investigating officer of the anti-corruption unit. (SPOILER AHEAD) There were hints last season that Hastings could in fact be ‘H’ – an officer on the inside who seems intent on disrupting the team’s work.
Where do I recognise Adrian Dunbar from? The Northern Irishman was in the Channel 5 series Blood in 2018 and played Richard Plantagenet in The Hollow Crown.
DC Chloe Bishop
Played by: Shalom Brune-Franklin (@shalombrunefranklin)
Who is DC Chloe Bishop? The new kid on the block, DC Chloe Bishop is set to join the anti-corruption unit this season.
Where do I recognise Shalom Brune-Franklin from? The actress recently starred alongside Hugh Laurie in BBC series, Roadkill last year and has also appeared in the Netflix series, Cursed.
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