Bodyguard creator Jed Mercurio has indicated the show’s ratings success could see as many as THREE more series produced.
The TV writer told The Sun the BBC One thriller was originally intended to comprise of just one series – but due to the huge response it has received, the drama could be spun out for many more episodes.
He said: “It’s probably fair to say we would probably approach any thoughts of a second series with the idea that it would create an opportunity for a third or fourth.”
Last night’s nail-biting final feature-length episode of the series pulled in over 10 million viewers.
Read more here: Bodyguard finale hailed by fans as over 10 million tune in – but could Julia still be alive?
But despite the demand for more Bodyguard from fans, Jed has insisted any new episodes will have to wait until the fifth series of his other critically-acclaimed drama is completed.
It is believed the middle of next year would be the earliest he could begin work on a second series of Bodyguard – after wrapping on Line of Duty.
He said: “We’re going to be shooting right up until a few days before Christmas and doing all our editing early in the New Year so I’m full-time on Line of Duty.”
The 52-year-old also seemed unconcerned about rumours linking David Budd actor Richard Madden with an iconic film role that could commit him elsewhere and prevent a return for the show’s title character.
Read more here: Bodyguard writer explains why Julia HAD to die
Declaring his delight at the TV fame Richard has come in for and the subsequent links to being the next James Bond, Jed added: “To be honest, I’m just thinking good luck to him.”
Earlier today on This Morning, another cast member seemed to suggest speculation about another run had legs.
Holly Willoughby asked actress Stephanie Hyam – who played political aide Chanel Dyson – whether any “chats” had been had about a return.
Stephanie teased: “I think it’s around. That would be cool.”
i’m in two minds about bodyguard getting a second series… on one hand YAY MORE BODYGUARD! on the other, what drama series has had a better second series then the first?
— josh ✨ (@thewhippasnappa) September 24, 2018
So Julia Montague comes back in the second series? A nation plots… #Bodyguard
— Jane Thynne (@janethynne) September 23, 2018
He’s all set for another assignment, had the therapy, back with his wife…..second series in the bag #Bodyguard
— Emma Samkin (@ercsbram) September 24, 2018
However, the actor who played DCI Deepak Sharma was perhaps a little more hesitant – although he had a future storyline for his character already planned out in his mind.
Actor Ash Tandon said during an appearance on BBC Breakfast this morning: “I can tell you there’s a chance it could happen, and there’s a chance we don’t know.
“Jed has said prior to this that a lot goes into a second show.”
Ash added: “If there’s a second series, I could be killed off in the first episode in the first minute!”
So prepare for a few more years of speculation about a return for Julia Montague – who was played by Keeley Hawes – at any point during any potential series then…
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