As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled to see Adrian Dunbar gracing our screens once more, this time portraying a hard-boiled cop character – but it’s not the esteemed role of Ted Hastings from Line of Duty he’s reprising.
Instead, Alex Ridley, who was previously a retired detective, now serves as a police consultant in ITV’s crime drama series Ridley. Additionally, he owns a jazz club and occasionally sings. This role is featured in four new, full-length episodes set in the north of England.
Two years after the 2022 season’s finale, I find myself immersed in a new chapter, working alongside my former protege, DI Carol Farman (Bronagh Waugh). Yet, life hasn’t been easy for me; it’s been four years since the tragic loss of my wife and daughter. Their absence still lingers, leaving an emptiness that sometimes makes me mistake a woman bearing a striking resemblance to my daughter as her ghostly presence.
That heartbreaking scene in the first episode is directly inspired by one of Dunbar’s friends.
Despite her passing, he harbored an unusual hope, as if turning a new corner might reveal her presence once more. This is a peculiar way his mind clung to the possibility, unwilling to fully accept reality.
I considered introducing Ridley with a young girl at the beginning [of the first episode], as I wanted him to instantly recognize her. You see, this character resembles his daughter in many ways, and it seems as though she’s been sent specifically.
In a bid to find a positive angle, Dunbar said, “I decided to incorporate that challenging aspect instead of abandoning the lingering sorrow.
In the first sequence of events, two years had passed since the tragic loss of his family, and at the beginning of the second series, another two years had elapsed. This heartbreaking event, the loss of his wife and daughter, echoes in the background throughout his life, forever lingering like an unshakable memory that will never fully depart from him.
Simultaneously, I believe it’s crucial for viewers that there’s an aspect of overcoming grief, as it’s something we all must do. However, I aim to accomplish this progression gradually. If another series arises, we can continue his journey towards healing.
Apart from expressing his expectations for another series of Ridley, Dunbar also confirms that a seventh season of Line of Duty, featuring Martin Compston and Vicky McClure, is definitely planned for 2026. However, as of now, a specific date for filming has not been scheduled.
He regrettably expressed that he wasn’t able to provide an exact start date, such as January 18th, which he wished he could do, but unfortunately, he is uncertain about it.
It is clear that Jed Mercurio, the writer, has produced a considerable amount of work. Furthermore, the three of us have been approached, and we have all agreed. At this point, it’s up to our associates at the BBC to decide when production will commence and officially announce the start date.
It seems likely that we’ll return to work in Belfast next year. That would be great, I hope it means we can solve more cases.
Although he recently performed in a jazz club and played the leading role in Kiss Me Kate earlier this year, Dunbar feels that his singing abilities won’t be utilized when the next season of Line of Duty comes out, it seems.
Don’t you find it hard to picture Ted Hastings standing up and taking the microphone, don’t you?” he chuckled. “I believe he’d need a few shots of whiskey before that happens. While a Line of Duty musical episode sounds intriguing, I can’t seem to envision Jed penning it.
In my opinion, it might be best if I delegate the task of writing this piece to another individual, as I believe Jed lacks the necessary wit and humor to handle it effectively. If he were to write it, ‘Leave That Dead Girl Alone’ wouldn’t have the same charm that it deserves!
Ridley returns to ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday 10th August 2025.
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2025-08-04 18:46