Line of Duty star reveals serious season 6 twist - are you ready for this?

This is one twist we didn’t see coming...

Adrian Dunar as Ted Hughes in BBC's Line of Duty
(Image credit: BBC)

Line of Duty season 6 is set to return to our screens within weeks and already we can’t wait for everything AC-12 has got in store for us. The hit BBC drama’s popularity has risen even higher in recent years, as fans are drawn into the dramatic and dangerous world of an anti-corruption unit. Ever since Line of Duty Season 5 concluded in spectacular style in 2019, we’ve been asking ourselves the ultimate question - when does Line of Duty Season 6 start? Following the exploits and investigations of a team of UK police officers working at an anti-corruption unit, if you haven’t yet dived into this addictive show, then what’s stopping you? 

With nothing quite as it seems and lies and mysteries around every corner, it’s well worth catching up on Line of Duty season 1-5 so you’re ready for what’s coming next. Whilst the ongoing effects of the pandemic delayed filming, the date for Line of Duty season 6 landing on our screens has now been confirmed. 

And the show’s already highly-anticipated return has been made all the more so after one of the show’s stars revealed a pretty major Line of Duty season 6 twist coming up…

Warning: spoilers ahead!

What is the Line of Duty season 6 twist?

As reported by Hello! magazine, brilliant lead actors Adrian Dunbar, who plays Superintendent Ted Hughes, and Vicky McClure, who plays DI Kate Fleming opened up on The Graham Norton show about what fans can expect from Line of Duty Season 6. 

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According to the publication, Adrian disclosed that Line of Duty season 6 opens with an unexpected twist, stating: “18 months have passed so the landscape has completely changed.

“We are starting from a place that the audience will probably find a bit shocking at first. Things and people have been moved around so the first episode is going to be one of those ‘head-wrecks’ for the audience.”

This unexpected time-jump is sure to draw fans into the opening episode of season 6. And with a team like AC-12, who knows what other twists are yet to come to light...

Did the Line of Duty cast anticipate the show’s success?

Whilst it might seem strange given the monumental success Line of Duty has gone on to have, it seems as though the actors themselves weren’t certain they would receive a second series commission after it debuted in 2012. 

As reported by Hello! magazine, Vicky went on to describe the show’s success as “mad”, whilst Adrian added: "It was a slow burn. The first series was great, but we didn’t know we would get a second one.”

"Then we got a second one and halfway through that suddenly the numbers built and since then it’s just taken off – it’s big and the anticipation is massive. It’s intense", he explained. 

Given all that has been said about this time-jump Line of Duty season 6 plot twist, it’s going to be even more difficult to wait patiently for 21st March.

But with a reported seven episodes set to come our way instead of the usual six, it seems as if it’ll be seriously worth the wait.

Have you caught up on Line of Duty yet?

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!