Line of Duty series 7 finally announces who’s playing the new ‘villain’

Line of Duty is officially gearing up for its long-awaited return, with series 7 about to begin filming. And alongside the comeback of AC-12, there could be a new villain in the mix.

Following the mixed reaction to series 6, Jed Mercurio’s hit police drama is back, with Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar all reprising their roles as they continue the hunt for bent coppers.

We already knew that series 7 would centre on DI Dominic Gough, a controversial officer accused of being a sexual predator. Now, the BBC has revealed exactly who will be stepping into the role.

Tom Weston-Jones will play Dominic Gough (Credit: HBO Max)

Line of Duty casts Grace star as series 7 ‘villain’

Tom Weston-Jones, known for roles in Warrior, Dickensian, and Grace, will take on the role of Dominic Gough in series 7.

According to the official synopsis, Gough is viewed as a “charismatic officer” who has earned “plaudits for a string of takedowns of organised crime”.

However, he is also accused of abusing his position of trust to act as a sexual predator. The BBC has teased there could be something else afoot, though.

“But is Gough’s case a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows?” its synopsis teases.

That leaves one big question heading into the new series: is Gough truly the main villain, or could he be a pawn for the OCG?

Several new faces are also joining the cast:

Laura Aikman (This City Is Ours, Gavin & Stacey) as DC Paula Beckman Levi Brown (This Town, Girl Taken) as DC Luke Tobin Amy Leigh Hickman (Ackley Bridge, You) as DC Nira Rashid

Meanwhile, a number of familiar names are returning. Mark Bonnar is back as former Deputy Chief Constable Mike Dryden, alongside Owen Teale as Chief Constable Philip Osborne, Perry Fitzpatrick as DS Chris Lomax, and Christina Chong as DI Nicky Rogerson.

Carlyle is a “perfect fit” for Line of Duty (Credit: BBC)

Robert Carlyle joins Line of Duty series 7

Robert Carlyle will play Detective Constable Shaun Massie in the new series.

Best known for his roles as Begbie in Trainspotting and Gaz in The Full Monty, Carlyle said he’s long admired both the show and Mercurio.

“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to join such an exceptional cast,” he said. “The scripts are excellent and will absolutely maintain the quality the audience expects. DC Massie is an extraordinary character and I look forward to bringing him to life.”

BBC calls Carlyle a “perfect fit”

BBC drama boss Lindsay Salt described Carlyle as one of the UK’s greatest actors and “a perfect fit for the phenomenon that is Line of Duty”.

Mercurio added that he couldn’t be “more thrilled”, teasing that viewers will be “on the edge of their seats” wondering what Massie will do next – and why.

In series 7, Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings will take on their “most sensitive case so far”.

“Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer winning plaudits for a string of takedowns of organised crime, is accused of abusing his position of trust to act as a sexual predator,” the synopsis reads.

“But is Gough’s case a deliberate distraction from a bigger threat still operating in the shadows?

Read more: 2026 dramas returning to our screens: What to watch from Line of Duty and Peaky Blinders to Rivals

Line of Duty series 7 starts filming this year. Series 1-6 are available on BBC iPlayer now.

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