Line of Duty series 7: Robert Carlyle to play 'extraordinary' new character that will have fans 'on the edge of their seats'
The Trainspotting star will play a specialist rifle officer
Line of Duty series 7 has just added a heavyweight British actor to its cast: Robert Carlyle, and he’ll be playing an “extraordinary new character”.
After the divisive end to series 6, Jed Mercurio’s police drama is officially returning.
Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar will all reprise their roles, still on the prowl for corrupt officers.
We already knew that series 7 will introduce DI Dominic Gough, an officer accused of being a sexual predator. However, Carlyle will play another new character.
Robert Carlyle joins Line of Duty series 7
Robert Carlyle will play Detective Constable Shaun Massie in Line of Duty series 7.
The star, best known for playing Begbie in Trainspotting and his performance in The Full Monty, said he’s been a “huge admirer” of the show and Jed Mercurio.
“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to join such an exceptional cast for series 7 of Line of Duty,” he said in a statement.
“The scripts for the series are excellent and will absolutely maintain the quality that the audience have come to expect from this fantastic show. DC Massie is an extraordinary character and I look forward to bringing him to life.”
Carlyle is a “perfect fit” for Line of Duty
Lindsay Salt, the BBC’s director of drama, described Carlyle as one of the country’s “greatest actors” and a “perfect fit for the phenomenon that is Line of Duty”.
“Sometimes a piece of casting feels so right that you just can’t imagine anyone else,” she said.
Mercurio said he couldn’t be “more thrilled” that Carlyle will play Specialist Rifle Officer Shaun Massie.
“Robert always brings mesmerising power and depth to every role. I know viewers will be on the edge of their seats wondering what his character 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: Line of Duty series 7: BBC One need to cast THIS actor as show’s new bent copper
