LINE Of Duty fans got very excited when the show’s major stars came together for a cheeky pint.

The record-breaking cop drama finished in May 2021, but The Sun how the.

Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure, and Martin Compston from "Line of Duty" smiling with beers.Line of Duty’s (L-R) Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure and Martin CompstonCredit: Instagram Adrian Dunbar as Ted Hastings, Vicky McClure as Kate Fleming, and Martin Compston as Steve Arnott in BBC drama Line of Duty.The trio are returning for the third season of the BBC dramaCredit: PA Vicky McClure as DI Kate Fleming and Martin Compston as DI Steve Arnott in Line of Duty.Filming is set to begin in Spring in BelfastCredit: PA

Filming is set tobut the reunion of stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar set tongues wagging that the return might be sooner than planned.

The acting trio enjoyed a winter beverage together and joked that it was the reunion of their fictional AC-12 anti-corruption police unit.

They posed for a photo holding pints and Martin captioned the post: “AC12 in the house (pub).”

Fans rushed to the comments to say they hoped it meant filming for Line of Duty series 7 had started.

“Does this mean there will be more seasons of line of duty?!” wrote one fan.

Another added: “This is absolutely excellent news!”

And a third commented: “Can’t wait for you all to come back in line of duty please get started so we can hav something to look forward to.”

The new season, once again written by Jed Mercurio, kicks off with Central Police’s anti-corruption unit disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards.

There’ll also be a new villain appearing on the horizon in the form of sexual predator DI Dominic Gough – though the usual star guest signing playing them has not been confirmed.

Welcoming the news Adrian, 67, who plays Supt Ted Hastings, said: “As we count down the AC12 days of Christmas what a joy it is to know that the Three Amigos will be back filming together next year.

“Delighted with the news and looking forward to those mercurial twists and turns.”

Martin, 41, who plays DS Steven Arnott said: “Line of Duty has been a job of a lifetime. Not only in terms of the show’s success but the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with I now call some of my closest friends.

“I can’t wait to pull the waistcoat on again and get the team back together.”

Vicky, 42, aka DC Kate Fleming, added: “It goes without saying I’m so excited is back! Can’t wait to work with Jed, Martin and Adrian again. Belfast, we’ll see you soon!”

Series six aired in 2021, with the finale becoming the biggest drama episode, excluding soaps, since modern records began in 2002.

Taking catch-up views into consideration, it had over 17 million viewers after 28 days, and the Beeb will be expecting similarly high figures when it returns.

Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) stands in front of the AC-12 logo.But show bosses have kept silent on any other plot pointsCredit: BBC/World Productions/Steffan Hill