Line of Duty star says fans might have to wait another year for the 6th series

Line of Duty fans might have a year-long wait for the much-anticipated sixth series of the popular detective show - according to star Rochenda Sandall.

Filming was already underway before being abruptly halted due to the coronavirus pandemic, and while some TV productions are taking steps to get back filming, it is likely to be a longer wait for the BBC drama.

According to Sandall, who plays Lisa McQueen on the show, this is because of creator Jed Mercurio’s “super awareness” of the health crisis due to his medical background.

Read more: Line of Duty will not start shooting again until coronavirus testing improves

The 53-year-old was a hospital physician before he transitioned into writing for TV in the 1990s.

Sandall appeared on Sunday Brunch yesterday (28 June), and hinted at the show’s uncertain future.

Talking to hosts Simon Rimmer and Tim Lovejoy, she said: “They were filming the sixth series, and it stopped, so unfortunately I don’t think that will start until…”

After trailing off, she added: “Jed worked in a medical position beforehand so he’s got a super awareness I imagine.

“He has got a wider knowledge than most, so I don’t think filming will start until it is absolutely okay to do so, which means fans might have to wait another year.

“There were two years between four and five so I think it’s worth the wait!”

Appearing on the Andrew Marr Show last month, Mercurio himself admitted he didn’t know when Line of Duty could start filming again.

He said: “Nobody knows how this is going to unfold and we’ve just got to make sure everybody’s safe.

Read more: Vicky McClure shares 'Line Of Duty' lockdown reunion

“I feel for a lot of the crew, it’s a difficult time when you’re out of work.

“I want to get back as soon as we can, but that’s got to be when it’s safe and we’re not a show that is similar to the soaps.”

If you want to watch past series of Line of Duty, which also stars Vicky McClure, Stephen Graham and Thandie Newton, it is currently streaming on the BBC iPlayer.