Line Of Duty creator and writer Jed Mercurio has teased further news about the sixth series of the show, which was grounded to a halt mid-production due to COVID-19.
Speaking to A Stab In The Dark podcast, the show boss explained that they were four weeks into filming and that the months of delays has pushed the air date back from the intended 2020 to next year.
‘We shot for four weeks before we were forced to reach the conclusion that it wasn’t safe to carry on. We shut down nine days before the government lockdown,’ he explained. ‘We’re having talks currently with the BBC and the production company to determine when we might be able to resume.
Update: Line Of Duty creator and writer Jed Mercurio has teased further news about the sixth series of the show, which was grounded to a halt mid-production due to COVID-19
‘There are a number of issues still to be resolved on an industry-wide basis, things like insurance and finance and social distancing guidelines that specifically apply to filming.
‘So, there are people working on those, some involve the unions, some involve the producers bodies, some involve the broadcasters, some involve the department of culture, media and sport.
‘Eventually, there will be a set of guidelines that apply to so-called high end TV. We are hoping that we can get the series shot before the end of this calendar year, if all those measures are reached which allow us to film in the way that we need to be able to do.’
The showrunner spoke about his worries about the global pandemic, and what returning to production too early could do with regards to the virus.
![News: Speaking to A Stab In The Dark podcast, the show boss explained that they were four weeks into filming and that the months of delays has pushed the air date back from the intended 2020 to next year [pictured: Martin Compston, Adrian Dunbar and Vicky McClure]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/06/22/15/29916758-0-image-m-11_1592837269170.jpg)
News: Speaking to A Stab In The Dark podcast, the show boss explained that they were four weeks into filming and that the months of delays has pushed the air date back from the intended 2020 to next year [pictured: Martin Compston, Adrian Dunbar and Vicky McClure]
![Behind the scenes: The cast have been sharing throwbacks during the lockdown, as they miss out on filming [the cast are pictured during series one, which also starrted Lennie James]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/06/22/15/29916720-0-Behind_the_scenes_The_cast_have_been_sharing_throwbacks_during_t-a-13_1592837575693.jpg)
Behind the scenes: The cast have been sharing throwbacks during the lockdown, as they miss out on filming [the cast are pictured during series one, which also starrted Lennie James]
‘The thing that’s out of our control is what’s happening with coronavirus in the community,’ Jed explained. ‘If the disease is still rampant, there’s absolutely no way that we have the money or resources to quarantine hundreds of people for the duration of the shoot.
‘So, there is the risk that we import the virus through natural contact between crew members going back into their households at the end of the day or any contact with extras who are on set for a day, or supporting artists who are in for a few days.
‘It’s really hard to know and like any industry, we’re kind of hostages to fortune.’
Last month, star of the show Martin Compston shared some throwback snaps, as he revealed they should have completed shooting season six by now.
That’s (not) a wrap! Last month, star Martin shared some throwback snaps, as he revealed they should have completed shooting season six by now
Cautiously optimistic: The showrunner spoke about his worries about the global pandemic, and what returning to production too early could do with regards to the virus
Jed was reluctant to give too much away about series six’s plot, bit did tease: ‘We have Kelly MacDonald, who plays DCI Joanne Davidson, who is a senior investigating officer on a murder investigation team and she is investigating an unsolved high-profile murder case.
‘Her handling of the case creates question marks which bring AC-12 in, the anti-corruption unit, to look at whether the case is being mishandled or misdirected.’
Of how he’s been coping in lockdown, Jed went on: ‘I think that you might say that for writers, we probably haven’t even noticed.
‘I mean, from the TV side of things, there was the big upheaval of having to stop production and for people who are actors, people who are on crews, that’s been incredibly disruptive and potentially has thrown them into quite considerable hardship.
‘But I’m kind of one of those who can count his blessing, I’ve switched to development work and to writing and I’m in an indefinite holding pattern until we can get back to the shoot.’