Jed Mercurio would "absolutely" do Bodyguard series 2 – but there's one big problem
The creator of the hit drama says discussions with the BBC will begin once series one is over – but is worried whether Richard Madden will be available
Jed Mercurio would "absolutely" like to do another series of Bodyguard on BBC1, but is worried that he may not be able to hold on to leading man Richard Madden.
The creator of BBC1's hit thriller said he is keen to continue the story of principal protection officer Richard Budd, but added that discussions with the BBC about Bodyguard series two will only begin once series one has finished.
"You have to wait until the end because anything can happen," Mercurio said in the latest issue of Radio Times magazine.
"Some shows do nosedive at the end, or some piece of content could become incredibly controversial and affect the way the show is seen. In the end, you have to accept that the broadcaster holds all the cards."
However, the creator of Bodyguard and the BBC's other big police hit Line of Duty did insinuate that DS Budd would at least survive the rest of the series – unlike another key character.
Mercurio explained that the one major hurdle for a possible Bodyguard series two would be actor Madden's availability.
"He's the genuine article, a real leading man. And I think this role has put him very much in the spotlight for bigger things," Mercurio said.
"So the practicality may be that we have to work round his availability, if we are lucky enough to get him back."
Mercurio also added that he would rather not kill off the character in series two "because it would leave a massive hole".
The writer is currently filming Line of Duty series five, but agreed to discuss episode four's shocking revelation with broadcaster Mark Lawson for Radio Times.
Read the full interview in the latest issue, on sale from Tuesday 11 September 2018.
Article first published on 10 September 2018
