Bodyguard creator Jed Mercurio has admitted he has no problem telling porkies in interviews to help keep viewers in suspense.
Over 11 million viewers have been kept on tenterhooks over the fate of character Julia Montague, played by Keeley Hawes, since the third episode of the series, after the show’s Home Secretary appeared to have died in a bomb attack.
Earlier this month Jed hinted to the Radio Times that Julia had to be killed off to “move the story on”.
However, he has since hinted Julia may have survived the blast and may appear during this Sunday’s feature-length series finale.
Read more here: Bodyguard creator Jed Mercurio drops big hint about final episode
And now the 52-year-old writer has insisted – during an interview – he does not feel compelled in any way to tell the truth during interviews.
He previously fibbed about the return of another character played by Keeley in Line of Duty – also penned by Jed – when he revealed Lindsay Denton’s role on the show was over after she was sent to jail.
She then returned to the thrilling drama just one series later.
Jed told The Sun: “The thing is, I don’t really feel a great responsibility to tell the truth, so it doesn’t really matter what I say.
Read more here: Bodyguard writer explains why Julia HAD to die
“I tell the truth where it’s the ethical thing to do, but in terms of entertainment there’s a certain fun and a certain enjoyment that can be added to the experience by a few judicious lies.”
Explaining he is not bound by the same obligation not to mislead that restricts programme publicists at the BBC, Jed also added “the odd well-judged lie” is “fair game” and part of the intrigue that captivates viewers.
However, it seems Jed – who has also written The Grimleys for TV – is not prepared to play with Twitter grumps who have criticised Bodyguard for being ‘inaccurate’ and ‘unrealistic’.
During an appearance on Newsnight he told host Kirsty Wark: “I don’t mind people saying it is drama and it is not meant to be realistic.
“But what we have going on is an editorial brief to go out and find people who criticise the show’s accuracy.
“Actually, we went through a rigorous and meticulous process with lots of advisors who came with excellent credentials.
“What annoys me is when a journalist finds someone who doesn’t have the right credentials but enjoys having the platform of slagging off the programme.
“I just wanted to set the record straight on that.”
Suggesting the finale would be “action-packed”, Jed also revealed he had been texting Keeley that day – saying they were both enjoying “winding everyone up”.
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