Line of Duty Cast: Full Cast, Characters & Guide 2026

The Line of Duty cast has helped make the BBC crime drama one of the UK’s best-known police series. The show follows AC-12, an anti-corruption team investigating suspected wrongdoing inside the police. The main cast includes Martin Compston as Steve Arnott, Vicky McClure as Kate Fleming, and Adrian Dunbar as Ted Hastings. The series has also featured major guest stars such as Keeley Hawes, Thandiwe Newton, Stephen Graham, and Kelly Macdonald. In 2026, the announced seventh series brings back the core AC-12 team while adding new cast members. (Radio Times)

Who Is in the Line of Duty Cast?

The main Line of Duty cast is built around the AC-12 investigators and the police officers they investigate. Across the first six series, the show introduced a new central case and new major performers, while keeping its core investigators at the heart of the story.

• 🎭 Martin Compston plays Steve Arnott.
• 👮 Vicky McClure plays Kate Fleming.
• ⭐ Adrian Dunbar plays Ted Hastings.
• 🕵️ Craig Parkinson plays Matthew “Dot” Cottan.
• 👩 Keeley Hawes plays Lindsay Denton.
• 👨 Lennie James plays Tony Gates.
• 👮 Daniel Mays plays Danny Waldron.
• 🎬 Thandiwe Newton plays Roz Huntley.
• 🎭 Stephen Graham plays John Corbett.
• ⭐ Kelly Macdonald plays Joanne Davidson.
• 👮 Anna Maxwell Martin plays Patricia Carmichael.
• 👤 Shalom Brune-Franklin plays Chloe Bishop.
• 🎭 Gregory Piper plays Ryan Pilkington.
• 👮 Maya Sondhi plays Maneet Bindra.
• 👤 Ace Bhatti plays Rohan Sindwhani.
• 🌟 The cast changes as each investigation develops.

The changing cast is one of the show’s strengths. Each series brings new personalities and suspects while the AC-12 team provides continuity. (Radio Times)

Martin Compston as Steve Arnott

Martin Compston plays Detective Inspector Steve Arnott, one of the central characters in Line of Duty. Steve becomes part of AC-12 after refusing to help cover up an unlawful police operation. He then works closely with Kate Fleming under Ted Hastings.

• 🎭 Martin Compston plays Steve Arnott.
• 👮 Steve is an AC-12 investigator.
• 🕵️ He investigates police corruption.
• 📋 He is known for detailed questioning.
• 🔎 He often follows difficult evidence.
• 🤝 He works closely with Kate.
• ⭐ Ted Hastings becomes his senior officer.
• 🚔 Steve has a strong police background.
• 🧠 He can be persistent during investigations.
• ⚖️ He focuses on evidence and procedure.
• 📺 He appears throughout the series.
• 🔄 His character develops across the seasons.
• 🎬 Martin Compston has played Steve since series one.
• 🏆 The role became one of his best-known performances.
• 👥 Steve is a key member of AC-12.
• 🌟 He remains central to the 2026 return.

Martin Compston is one of the three performers who appeared across all six original series alongside Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar. (Wikipedia)

Vicky McClure as Kate Fleming

Vicky McClure plays Kate Fleming, a skilled detective who becomes a key part of the AC-12 story. Kate is known for her investigative ability and undercover work, making her an important member of the team.

• 🎭 Vicky McClure plays Kate Fleming.
• 👮 Kate is an experienced detective.
• 🕵️ She has undercover experience.
• 🔎 She investigates complicated cases.
• 🤝 She works with Steve Arnott.
• ⭐ She works under Ted Hastings.
• 📋 Kate pays close attention to evidence.
• 🧠 She often uses careful judgment.
• 🚔 Her police career changes over time.
• 📺 She appears throughout the original series.
• 🔄 Her role develops across different investigations.
• 🎬 Vicky McClure joined the show in series one.
• 🏆 Kate became one of the show’s most recognized characters.
• 👥 She is central to AC-12.
• 🌟 Her character remains important to the series.
• 📅 She is part of the announced 2026 return.

The BBC has described Kate as an undercover specialist who works with AC-12 on difficult investigations. (BBC America)

Adrian Dunbar as Ted Hastings

Adrian Dunbar plays Superintendent Ted Hastings, the senior officer who leads AC-12. Hastings is one of the show’s most recognizable characters and is closely associated with the team’s investigations into police corruption.

• 🎭 Adrian Dunbar plays Ted Hastings.
• 👮 Hastings leads AC-12.
• 🕵️ He investigates police corruption.
• 📋 He supervises Steve and Kate.
• 🔎 He expects strong evidence.
• ⚖️ He takes police standards seriously.
• 🤝 He supports his investigation team.
• 🏢 He works within the fictional Central Police.
• 📺 Hastings appears from the early series.
• ⭐ He becomes a central character.
• 🎬 Dunbar’s performance became widely recognized.
• 🔄 Hastings faces major challenges throughout the story.
• 🧠 His leadership is tested by difficult cases.
• 👥 He forms the third part of the core AC-12 team.
• 📅 He is part of the announced series 7 return.
• 🌟 Ted Hastings remains one of the show’s defining characters.

Hastings, Arnott, and Fleming form the core AC-12 group that drives much of Line of Duty. (Radio Times)

Keeley Hawes as Lindsay Denton

Keeley Hawes plays Detective Inspector Lindsay Denton in series two. Denton becomes the focus of an AC-12 investigation after surviving an attack involving police officers.

• 🎭 Keeley Hawes plays Lindsay Denton.
• 👮 Denton is a senior police officer.
• 🕵️ AC-12 investigates her actions.
• 🔎 Her case is central to series two.
• 📋 Her story involves serious questions.
• ⚖️ The investigation becomes complicated.
• 🧠 Denton is a strong and determined character.
• 🚔 She has a police background.
• 📺 She is central to series two.
• 🔄 Her story continues beyond one series.
• 🎬 Hawes brought a major performance to the role.
• ⭐ Denton became an important character.
• 👥 Her case tests the AC-12 team.
• 🕵️ The investigation contains many twists.
• 📺 Her story is part of the show’s wider corruption plot.
• 🌟 She remains one of the best-known guest leads.

Series two centers on AC-12 investigating Denton and the circumstances surrounding an attack on police officers. (Wikipedia)

Craig Parkinson as Matthew “Dot” Cottan

Craig Parkinson plays Matthew “Dot” Cottan, a character whose role becomes increasingly important as the series develops. Dot is connected to several major events in the show’s long-running story.

• 🎭 Craig Parkinson plays Matthew Cottan.
• 👮 His character is known as “Dot.”
• 🕵️ He works as a police officer.
• 🔎 His role changes over time.
• 📋 He becomes important to the wider story.
• 🧩 His character is connected to major mysteries.
• 🚔 He appears early in the series.
• 📺 He becomes more important in later episodes.
• 🎬 Parkinson gives a memorable performance.
• 🧠 Dot is a complex character.
• 🔄 His story develops across multiple series.
• ⭐ He becomes part of the show’s major conspiracy.
• 👥 His actions affect AC-12.
• 📖 His character is closely connected to the show’s long-running mystery.
• 🎭 Parkinson also appears in later flashback scenes.
• 🌟 Dot remains one of the series’ most discussed characters.

Dot appears in the first three series and became an important part of the show’s wider corruption storyline. (Wikipedia)

Lennie James as Tony Gates

Lennie James stars as Detective Chief Inspector Tony Gates in the first series. His case introduces viewers to the investigative style that becomes central to Line of Duty.

• 🎭 Lennie James plays Tony Gates.
• 👮 Gates is a senior detective.
• 🕵️ AC-12 investigates him.
• 🔎 His case begins the show’s central format.
• 📋 His professional record is questioned.
• ⚖️ The investigation becomes complicated.
• 🚔 Gates leads a successful police team.
• 🧠 His character is confident.
• 📺 He is the focus of series one.
• 🎬 James gives a leading performance.
• ⭐ Gates is the first major officer investigated.
• 👥 His story introduces AC-12.
• 🔍 The case sets up later seasons.
• 📖 His investigation establishes the show’s tone.
• 🔄 The series expands after his story.
• 🌟 He remains an important early character.

Series one follows AC-12’s investigation into Gates and establishes the show’s central idea of investigating suspected police corruption. (Wikipedia)

Daniel Mays as Danny Waldron

Daniel Mays plays Sergeant Danny Waldron in series three. Waldron leads an armed response team and becomes the subject of an AC-12 investigation after questions arise about a fatal police shooting.

• 🎭 Daniel Mays plays Danny Waldron.
• 👮 Waldron is a police sergeant.
• 🚔 He leads an armed response team.
• 🕵️ AC-12 investigates his actions.
• 🔎 The investigation becomes central to series three.
• 📋 Evidence raises serious questions.
• ⚖️ The team examines what happened.
• 🧠 Waldron is a complicated character.
• 📺 His story drives much of the season.
• 🎬 Daniel Mays gives a leading performance.
• ⭐ He is one of the season’s major characters.
• 🔄 His case connects with the wider storyline.
• 🧩 New clues emerge during the investigation.
• 👥 Kate becomes involved in the case.
• 📖 The investigation expands the show’s conspiracy story.
• 🌟 Series three remains a major part of the franchise.

The BBC’s series three material identifies Daniel Mays as Danny Waldron and describes AC-12’s investigation into the circumstances surrounding a fatal shooting. (BBC Downloads)

Thandiwe Newton as Roz Huntley

Thandiwe Newton stars as DCI Roz Huntley in series four. Huntley is the senior investigating officer at the center of another major AC-12 case.

• 🎭 Thandiwe Newton plays Roz Huntley.
• 👮 Huntley is a senior detective.
• 🕵️ AC-12 investigates her work.
• 🔎 Her case is called Operation Trapdoor.
• 📋 She leads an important investigation.
• ⚖️ Questions emerge around her case.
• 🧠 Huntley is determined and confident.
• 🚔 She has significant police responsibility.
• 📺 Her story drives series four.
• 🎬 Newton brings a major performance.
• ⭐ She was a major new cast member.
• 🔄 Her investigation creates new challenges.
• 🧩 AC-12 searches for hidden evidence.
• 👥 Her case expands the show’s corruption storyline.
• 📖 Series four introduces new investigative questions.
• 🌟 Huntley remains a memorable guest character.

Radio Times identifies Newton as DCI Roz Huntley, the lead investigator in series four’s Operation Trapdoor storyline. (Radio Times)

Stephen Graham as John Corbett

Stephen Graham plays DS John Corbett in series five. Corbett is an undercover police officer whose investigation becomes one of the most intense stories in the series.

• 🎭 Stephen Graham plays John Corbett.
• 👮 Corbett is a police officer.
• 🕵️ He works undercover.
• 🔎 His case is central to series five.
• 📋 AC-12 becomes involved in his investigation.
• 🧩 His undercover role creates uncertainty.
• ⚖️ The story examines police corruption.
• 🚔 Corbett has strong investigative skills.
• 🧠 His character faces difficult choices.
• 📺 He is a major series five character.
• 🎬 Stephen Graham gives a leading performance.
• ⭐ The role became highly memorable.
• 🔄 His story connects to the wider conspiracy.
• 👥 AC-12 tries to understand his actions.
• 📖 The storyline expands the show’s OCG plot.
• 🌟 Corbett is one of the series’ best-known characters.

Series five’s cast included Stephen Graham as John Corbett, alongside the continuing AC-12 team. (BBC Downloads)

Kelly Macdonald as Joanne Davidson

Kelly Macdonald plays DCI Joanne Davidson in series six. Davidson leads a murder investigation that attracts the attention of AC-12 and raises questions about possible corruption.

• 🎭 Kelly Macdonald plays Joanne Davidson.
• 👮 Davidson is a senior detective.
• 🕵️ She leads a major investigation.
• 🔎 AC-12 becomes interested in her case.
• 📋 Her decisions are closely examined.
• ⚖️ Questions develop around her investigation.
• 🧠 Davidson is a complex character.
• 🚔 She has significant responsibility.
• 📺 She leads the main story in series six.
• 🎬 Macdonald gives a central performance.
• ⭐ Davidson became a major new character.
• 🔄 Her story connects to the wider conspiracy.
• 🧩 AC-12 searches for answers.
• 👥 Kate has an important connection to the case.
• 📖 The investigation develops the show’s final major arc.
• 🌟 Davidson remains an important character in the series.

Kelly Macdonald joined the cast as DCI Joanne Davidson for series six, where she became the focus of AC-12’s investigation. (Wikipedia)

Anna Maxwell Martin as Patricia Carmichael

Anna Maxwell Martin plays Patricia Carmichael, a senior officer who becomes an important figure in the AC-12 story. Her character is particularly associated with the later series.

• 🎭 Anna Maxwell Martin plays Patricia Carmichael.
• 👮 Carmichael is a senior police officer.
• 🕵️ She becomes involved with AC-12.
• 📋 She has a strong professional personality.
• 🧠 She is confident and direct.
• ⚖️ Her approach differs from Hastings.
• 🔎 She becomes important in later investigations.
• 📺 She appears in series five and six.
• 🎬 Maxwell Martin gives a memorable performance.
• ⭐ Carmichael becomes a major senior figure.
• 🔄 Her role develops as the story continues.
• 👥 She interacts with the AC-12 team.
• 🧩 Her character adds tension to the investigation.
• 📖 She becomes part of the wider corruption storyline.
• 🌟 She is one of the best-known later additions.
• 🎭 Her performance adds a different style to the series.

BBC production material for series five includes Anna Maxwell Martin among the principal cast as Patricia Carmichael. (BBC Downloads)

Shalom Brune-Franklin as Chloe Bishop In Line of Duty

Shalom Brune-Franklin plays DC Chloe Bishop, who joins AC-12 in the later part of the series. Her arrival gives the anti-corruption team another investigator.

• 🎭 Shalom Brune-Franklin plays Chloe Bishop.
• 👮 Chloe joins AC-12.
• 🕵️ She helps investigate police corruption.
• 🔎 She works with senior investigators.
• 📋 Her character adds another perspective.
• 🧠 She is a capable investigator.
• 🚔 She works within the police.
• 📺 She appears in series six.
• 🎬 Brune-Franklin joined the established cast.
• ⭐ Chloe becomes part of the AC-12 team.
• 🔄 Her arrival changes the team dynamic.
• 👥 She works alongside Kate and Steve.
• 🧩 She helps with complex cases.
• 📖 Her role connects with the show’s final major storyline.
• 📅 Her character is part of the modern Line of Duty cast.
• 🌟 She represents a newer generation of AC-12 investigators.

BBC America announced Brune-Franklin as DC Chloe Bishop, a new AC-12 recruit joining the team led by Hastings, Fleming, and Arnott. (BBC America)

Line of Duty Series 7 Cast in 2026

In 2026, Line of Duty is returning with a seventh series. The confirmed returning core cast includes Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar. New cast members include Robert Carlyle and Tom Weston-Jones, among others.

• 🎬 Series seven is confirmed for 2026.
• ⭐ Martin Compston returns as Steve Arnott.
• 👮 Vicky McClure returns as Kate Fleming.
• 🎭 Adrian Dunbar returns as Ted Hastings.
• 🌟 Robert Carlyle joins the new cast.
• 👮 Carlyle plays DC Shaun Massie.
• 🎭 Tom Weston-Jones joins series seven.
• 🕵️ He plays DI Dominic Gough.
• 👩 Laura Aikman joins the cast.
• 👮 She plays DC Paula Beckman.
• 👤 Levi Brown joins as DC Luke Tobin.
• 🎭 Amy Leigh Hickman plays DC Nira Rashid.
• 📺 More guest roles have been announced.
• 🧩 The plot is being kept largely secret.
• 🔎 AC-12 returns to investigate another case.
• 🌟 The new cast gives the series a fresh direction.

Radio Times reported in March 2026 that series seven is confirmed and listed the returning core cast and new performers. TV Guide UK also reported the new characters and guest cast. (Radio Times)

Line of Duty Cast by Series

Each season of Line of Duty introduces a different major investigation and a new leading guest performer. The continuing AC-12 characters provide a connection between the stories.

• 📺 Series 1 features Lennie James.
• 👮 Series 1 focuses on Tony Gates.
• 📺 Series 2 features Keeley Hawes.
• 🕵️ Series 2 focuses on Lindsay Denton.
• 📺 Series 3 features Daniel Mays.
• 🚔 Series 3 focuses on Danny Waldron.
• 📺 Series 4 features Thandiwe Newton.
• 🔎 Series 4 focuses on Roz Huntley.
• 📺 Series 5 features Stephen Graham.
• 🕵️ Series 5 focuses on John Corbett.
• 📺 Series 6 features Kelly Macdonald.
• 👮 Series 6 focuses on Joanne Davidson.
• ⭐ Steve Arnott continues across the original series.
• 👩 Kate Fleming continues across the original series.
• 👨 Ted Hastings becomes the central AC-12 leader.
• 🌟 Series 7 introduces a new group of characters in 2026.

The rotating lead cast is a defining feature of the drama. Each new investigation creates a fresh mystery while the core AC-12 characters keep the larger story connected. (Wikipedia)

Why the Line of Duty Cast Is So Popular

The cast has helped Line of Duty stand out because the show combines strong character performances with complicated police investigations. The changing suspects also allow each series to feel different while maintaining the same central team.

• 🎭 Strong performances drive the drama.
• 🕵️ Characters face difficult investigations.
• 🔎 Each season creates new mysteries.
• 👮 Police characters have different personalities.
• 🧩 Stories connect across multiple seasons.
• ⭐ The AC-12 team provides continuity.
• 🎬 Major guest stars refresh each season.
• 📺 The cast changes without losing its identity.
• 🧠 Characters often have unclear motives.
• ⚖️ Investigations focus on evidence and accountability.
• 🔄 Long-term character development keeps viewers engaged.
• 👥 Team relationships shape the story.
• 🏆 Several performers became closely associated with the show.
• 📖 The cast supports the long-running conspiracy storyline.
• 🌟 New series can introduce fresh faces.
• 📅 The 2026 return adds another chapter.

The combination of returning stars and new guest performers is a major reason the series can tell a different story each season while keeping its familiar identity.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Line of Duty Cast

The cast list can be confusing because many important characters appear for only one or two seasons. These answers provide a quick reference for the most searched Line of Duty cast questions.

• ❓ Who plays Steve Arnott in Line of Duty? Martin Compston plays Steve Arnott. (Radio Times)
• ❓ Who plays Kate Fleming? Vicky McClure plays Kate Fleming. (Radio Times)
• ❓ Who plays Ted Hastings? Adrian Dunbar plays Ted Hastings. (Radio Times)
• ❓ Who plays Tony Gates? Lennie James plays Tony Gates in series one. (Wikipedia)
• ❓ Who plays Lindsay Denton? Keeley Hawes plays Lindsay Denton. (Wikipedia)
• ❓ Who plays Danny Waldron? Daniel Mays plays Danny Waldron. (BBC Downloads)
• ❓ Who plays Roz Huntley? Thandiwe Newton plays Roz Huntley. (Radio Times)
• ❓ Who plays John Corbett? Stephen Graham plays John Corbett. (Wikipedia)
• ❓ Who plays Joanne Davidson? Kelly Macdonald plays Joanne Davidson. (Wikipedia)
• ❓ Who plays Patricia Carmichael? Anna Maxwell Martin plays Patricia Carmichael. (BBC Downloads)
• ❓ Who plays Chloe Bishop? Shalom Brune-Franklin plays Chloe Bishop. (BBC America)
• ❓ Who is returning for series 7? Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar are returning. (Radio Times)
• ❓ Who joins Line of Duty series 7? New cast members include Robert Carlyle and Tom Weston-Jones. (TV Guide)
• ❓ How many series does Line of Duty have? Six original series have aired, with a seventh series confirmed for 2026. (Radio Times)
• ❓ What is AC-12? It is the fictional police anti-corruption unit at the center of the show. (Radio Times)
• ❓ Who created Line of Duty? The series was created and written by Jed Mercurio. (Wikipedia)

Conclusion:

The Line of Duty cast combines a strong core team with new leading actors in each major investigation. Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar remain the key faces of AC-12, while performers such as Keeley Hawes, Thandiwe Newton, Stephen Graham, and Kelly Macdonald have each brought memorable characters to different seasons. With series 7 confirmed in 2026, the franchise is adding new performers while bringing back its familiar AC-12 team. (Radio Times)