You know when TV heavyweights Keeley Hawes and Richard Madden sign up for a TV show, it’s going to be good – and BBC fans were NOT disappointed by Bodyguard.
In fact, 11 million viewers voted with their remote controls and made the six-part series THE most watched BBC drama for 10 years.
The tense finale, aired on Sunday (23 September), saw David Budd fight to clear his name and catch the real killer of Home Secretary Julia Montague – killed by a bomb when David was supposed to be protecting her.
Read more: Bodyguard star set to return to Coronation Street
Created by Line Of Duty’s Jed Mercurio, the climatic final episode overtook that of Downton Abbey’s series two finale in November 2011.
No BBC drama has drawn a bigger audience since Doctor Who, whose Christmas Day episode in 2008 was seen by 11.7 million people.
Game Of Thrones star Richard, who played David, told fans: “Blown away by the response to #Bodyguard. Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who’s watched and supported the show it’s truly overwhelming. I’m so proud to have been part of the amazing talented team that worked so hard to bring this story to life. Cheers!!”
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Read more: Bodyguard finale hailed by fans as over 10 million tune in – but could Julia still be alive?
Unsurprisingly, fans have begged for another series, and it looks like they have got their way as Jed has hinted he has explosive plans ahead…
Firstly, he publicly offered a cameo to former Home Secretary Amber Rudd.
After she wrote an article about the drama, Jed tweeted: “Thanks to Amber Rudd for an interesting and thought provoking article on Bodyguard.
“Maybe she’ll honour us with a cameo appearance if we get a second series!”
Thanks to @AmberRuddHR for an interesting and thought provoking article on #Bodyguard. Maybe she'll honour us with a cameo appearance if we get a second series!https://t.co/MQJO2cbM2h
— Jed Mercurio (@jed_mercurio) August 26, 2018
The Tory MP replied: “Tempting. But can I play a hardcore Bodyguard?”
Jed has made no secret about being keen on the idea of a second series, previously saying: “I really do love doing returning series so, if this is successful and people stick with it, then it would be great to do more.”
Well, we can safely say the series was a success!
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Jed recently told Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield on This Morning: “We’re just beginning that conversation with the BBC, so we know that people out there are loving series one and that there would be an appetite for series two, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
“A lot goes into setting up a production and none of those conversations have taken place yet which would allow us to facilitate that production.”
Speaking on Newsnight, he added: “I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to move forward with the BBC if there is a second series.”
In fact, just days ago, the TV writer said the show could go on for a third or fourth series…
Other factors that Jed has to consider is working around Richard’s work schedule, although he’s made it clear he does want him back, saying: “It’s great that he’s getting all the attention that he deserves, and I guess […] we would have to get into a conversation with Richard about whether he’d be available to do another series.”
He told Radio Times he “absolutely” would want a second season, but added: “The broadcaster holds all the cards.”
We last saw David beginning treatment for PTSD, after exposing his boss as corrupt.
With Julia dead, he could be called on to protect another high-ranking politician in the next series – or even a royal.
With a new VIP to protect, anything is possible…
The only spanner in the works could be if rumours are true about Richard being lined-up to play the next James Bond… Odds were slashed after his dashing performance as David.
Would you like to see a second series of Bodyguard? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!