Adrian Dunbar says Line of Duty could return 'end of next year' as he drops big hint

Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid and Ed Balls were in conversation with actor Adrian Dunbar, who hinted at a potential return for the hit series Line of Duty.

While initially discussing Adrian's theatrical role in Kiss Me, Kate, the chat swiftly turned to the much-loved BBC show.

Fans were left wanting more after Line of Duty concluded in 2021, but Adrian suggested that the door might not be fully closed for Superintendent Ted Hastings and his team.

Adrian expressed his willingness to reprise his role and indicated that his co-stars Vicky McClure and Martin Compston felt the same, stating: "Well I think so, Vicky (McClure) thinks so, Martin (Compston) thinks so. Everybody thinks so! It'll be down to the BBC and Jed Mercurio I think, when and whether we do it."

He shared with the ITV hosts that the cast is eager to return and are hopeful for another season. Adrian continued: "Hopefully, somebody will make a decision at some point", reports the Mirror.

When Ed probed about the timeline for a new season if greenlit today, Adrian explained the process: "First of all, Jed will have to write whatever he's going to write. That doesn't happen overnight. Then the BBC will have to make a decision on when we're going to shoot it, where we're going to shoot it."

Adrian added that if a new season were to happen, returning to Belfast for filming would be ideal, but cautioned: "Hopefully we'll get back to Belfast, that's where we shot everything. It'll easily be a year."

Ed probed about the potential return of the beloved BBC crime drama by the end of 2025, to which he received a teasing response: "The end of next year? Maybe."

Susanna, clearly thrilled at the idea of a comeback, pointed out that Adrian would be free to film from September after his stage commitments conclude.

In their chat, Susanna couldn't resist asking if he might appear on this year's Strictly Come Dancing.

He quickly dismissed any notion of him taking part in the dance competition, but hinted that his ex-colleague Vicky McClure could be a different story.

Admitting he hasn't discussed it with her, he revealed: "She is a very good dancer, she really is. I haven't talked to her about that, but she really is a good dancer. If they (the BBC) could swing that, the nation would be gripped."

Good Morning Britain continues weekdays on ITV from 6am.