Are the Line Of Duty cast friends in real life?

Line of Duty is back, with stars of the hit BBC drama returning to our screens for more gripping action after a long time away.

The chemistry between Adrian Dunbar, Vicky McClure, Martin Compston has been one of the biggest draws on the show since it first arrived back in 2012.

The bond between them has grown in that time, and while the drama has introduced guest stars including Stephen Graham, Keeley Hawes, Thandie Newton and Lennie James, it’s the rapport between the original three that remains at the heart of the programme.

But are the actors friends in real life?

They might be used to cracking down on corruption in AC-12, but stars of Line of Duty know how to unwind behind the scenes of the show.

During filming, the main stars like to spend their time together visiting the nation’s curry houses.

Recently speaking on the Out To Lunch podcast, show creator Jed Mercurio said: ‘On Line of Duty we go for a curry like twice a week. It is the hardcore, Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar and I.

‘We shot the first episode in Birmingham and that is the curry capital of the UK. There was a brilliant curry house next to our main set and the hotel we were staying in. They love the lamp chops to start with,’ Jed said about series six.

Speaking about their friendship, he said: ‘We get on very well and we talk about the show and we get a lot of work done while we are hanging out.’

Before the pandemic, the stars enjoyed pub trips together too.

Martin shared a picture of the AC-12 squad enjoying a drink together before lockdown, showing that the trio enjoy socialising just as much as they enjoy tackling crime on the show.

‘Cannae beat a catch up with these two,’ Martin added. ‘Next time we’ll most likely be in uniform or at least Adrian will be in a new three piece.’

One of their most high-profile appearances together away from the show came during the Stand Up To Cancer edition of Gogglebox from last October, when Martin, Vicky and Adrian watched telly together in the name of charity.

While Martin and Vicky scared themselves senseless while watching a horror film, Adrian showed no emotion whatsoever during one memorable moment.

Line of Duty begins on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One. It will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Line of Duty: What has Kelly Macdonald been in as BBC drama returns?

MORE : Line of Duty series 6: Start time, plot, and number of episodes