
The popular British crime drama is bringing back a well-known actor – known for roles in 28 Weeks Later and The Full Monty – for its seventh season. Created by Jed Mercurio, the show was a critical success, earning perfect scores from critics for its first four seasons. After a five-year hiatus, fans are eagerly anticipating the new storyline.
I’ve been watching Robert Carlyle work his magic on screen for over forty years now, and what a career it’s been! He first grabbed my attention with edgy roles in films like Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting and then, surprisingly, as a Bond villain in The World is Not Enough. But he’s never been one to stick to a single genre. He’s effortlessly moved between genuinely terrifying horror in movies like Ravenous and 28 Weeks Later, hilarious comedies like The Full Monty (and its TV follow-up), even sci-fi with Stargate Universe. And he’s still going strong, recently appearing alongside David Tennant in The Hack and popping up in several episodes of CBS’s Watson. It’s a testament to his range and talent that he’s remained a consistently compelling performer for so long.
Robert Carlyle is joining the cast of Line of Duty for Season 7, becoming the first new actor announced alongside returning stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar. He’ll be part of a series that has previously featured well-known actors like Stephen Graham (Adolescence), Thandiwe Newton (Westworld), and Kelly MacDonald – who actually appeared with Carlyle in the film Trainspotting. Carlyle shared his thoughts on being cast, saying:
I’ve been a big fan of Jed Mercurio’s work for years, so I’m thrilled to be joining the amazing cast of Line of Duty for series 7. The scripts are fantastic and will definitely deliver the high quality viewers expect from the show. I’m really excited to play the character of DC Massie and bring him to the screen.
How Does Line of Duty Season 7 Continue the Series Story?

BBC
Viewers thought Line of Duty wrapped things up in season six, finally revealing who was behind the long-running corruption. While the latest season still received good reviews, it wasn’t as popular as the earlier ones. Now, after a pause, the show is returning with a fresh storyline, which could be just what it needs to regain its momentum.
Years after the anti-corruption department closed, Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings are now part of the Inspectorate of Police Standards. The series follows them as they investigate a new case and their paths collide with a new character played by Carlyle.
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In the series, Carlyle portrays Shaun Massie, a skilled rifle expert and veteran with the elite TO-7 tactical unit, who works to dismantle organized crime. Massie is a solitary character, but he’s compelled to adapt when his commanding officer faces accusations of sexual misconduct.
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2026-02-19 16:17