'Line of Duty' Lands Robert Carlyle as Season 7 Guest Lead

Variety

by Naman Ramachandran

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Robert Carlyle has been cast as the guest lead in Season 7 of *Line of Duty*, a role that promises to bring fresh excitement to the long-running BBC crime thriller. Known for his memorable performances in films like *Trainspotting* and *The Full Monty*, Carlyle will portray Detective Constable Shaun Massie, a seasoned marksman who becomes entangled in a high-stakes investigation involving corruption within the police force. This addition bolsters the show’s already stellar lineup of returning stars, including Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar, while marking the first new casting announcement for the upcoming season. The new series will see AC-12 disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards, with Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings tackling a sensitive case in a climate increasingly hostile to anticorruption efforts. Carlyle’s character, Massie, is described as a gruff loner whose demeanor shifts dramatically when his commanding officer, DI Dominic Gough, faces accusations of being a sexual predator. The role offers Carlyle the opportunity to delve into a complex and multifaceted character, one that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The casting of Robert Carlyle is significant for several reasons. It adds star power to *Line of Duty*, which has already established itself as one of the UK’s most popular TV

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Originally published on Variety on 2/19/2026