Line Of Duty star Adrian Dunbar’s police drama Ridley is shelved by ITV after two series despite good ratings and stellar cast

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Adrian Dunbar’s police drama Ridley has been quietly shelved by ITV. 

Ridley first appeared in 2022 and was created by Paul Matthew Thompson, the creator of the popular crime drama Vera.

The show lasted for two seasons, featured a talented cast, and received positive viewership numbers in the United States.

But ITV have no plans to bring it back for a third series. 

A network representative confirmed to the Daily Mail that there are no current plans to bring back the Ridley character.

We’re grateful to Paul Matthew Thompson, the creator and writer, and to Jonathan Fisher, the executive producer, along with the entire team at West Road Pictures, for creating two hit series.

The show centers around DI Ridley, a detective who lost her job after experiencing a mental health crisis and becoming widowed. She didn’t want to be forced into retirement, but circumstances led her there.

Things get really complicated for me when I find out my replacement is Carol Farman – someone I used to mentor! It’s tough seeing a former protégé step into your shoes, and it definitely adds another layer to an already difficult situation.

But Detective Inspector Farman quickly asked Ridley to assist with a complex murder, pulling him back into the investigation – exactly where he thrives.

I’m a huge fan, and it’s amazing to see what he does with his time! He’s a really talented pianist and singer, and he actually performs at a jazz club he co-owns. Every single show would always finish with him singing – it was the perfect ending!

Series two then followed Ridley investigating a jewellery heist that turned into a murder case. 

Adrian, 67, previously spoke about his hopes for Ridley to return. 

He mentioned the show performed well in the US, and PBS, who helped fund it, are interested in a second series.

I’d really like to explore Alex Ridley’s story and the detectives he works with further – there’s a lot more to tell.

Though fans will be sad to see Ridley go, Adrian Dunbar is returning as Line of Duty has been confirmed for a seventh season.

The popular thriller series last had a new episode in 2021, and the sixth season finale drew a record-breaking 17 million viewers – the largest audience for a drama episode since records began in 2002. This figure includes viewers who watched within 28 days of the original broadcast.

However, viewers were frustrated by the way series six ended. The reveal that the seemingly inept Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells (Nigel Boyle) was actually ‘H’ – the hidden figure responsible for the police corruption – didn’t satisfy many.

Hoping to win back fans the new six-part series will start filming in Belfast in the coming spring. 

In series seven AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded the Inspectorate of Police Standards. 

Adrian Dunbar, known for his role as Superintendent Ted Hastings, will reunite with Martin Compston (who plays DI Steve Arnott) and Vicky McClure (DI Kate Fleming).

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2026-03-05 03:48