Bodyguard creator Jed Mercurio reveals there could be four more seasons of the show following explosive finale
Millions tuned into the finale of hit BBC One drama Bodyguard last night, and creator Jed Mercurio has hinted there could be four more seasons to come.
The crime thriller kept an average of 10.4 million viewers as the series drew to a close, reaching a peak of 11 million viewers in its final five minutes.
This doesn't mark the end of the show however, with Cannock producer, director and novelist Jed revealing to The Sun that he has plans for up to four more series of the show.
"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," he said.
"We do feel very privileged and fortunate that there's been such a response that it gives us that opportunity to at least think about doing more."
When the former University of Birmingham student and Royal Air Force officer was asked about the possibility of a second series of Bodyguard on This Morning earlier this week, his reply suggested the show could make a return.
"We don't know yet," he said when asked about a second series. "We're just beginning that conversation with the BBC."
If the series were to be renewed, Jed said during an interview with Digital Spy he would have to finish working on the latest Line of Duty first.
"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," he said.
The final episode of Bodyguard also treated viewers to a short Line Of Duty trailer that hit screens at the end of the show.
In the short 20-second clip, Superintendent Ted Hastings is seen talking with Detective Sergeant Kate Fleming about an 'institutional cover up', before the camera pans to Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott.
Bodyguard has proven to be a huge hit for BBC One with the first episode ranking as the biggest new drama launch in the UK this year.
Starring Richard Madden, Sophie Rundle, Keeley Hawes and Vincent Franklin; the series follows David Budd, a war veteran-turned-Specialist Protection Officer, as he's assigned as a bodyguard to Julia Montague, the ambitious and powerful Home Secretary.
The series has been hailed for its inclusion of strong female characters, and has been a major talking point on social media, with fans sharing a mix of opinions.
Line Of Duty actress Vicky McClure expressed that the show 'had the nation gripped', while star Richard Madden retweeted a thank you from the BBC to everyone who was watching the 'epic finale'.
Other users however revealed their confusion surrounding dangling plot lines and possible inaccuracies within the show.
Creator Jed has defended the show and hit out at a series of critical posts on Twitter, stating that he liaised with police protection officers when creating the show.
Jed also lashed out at 'sexist Neanderthals' who criticised BBC show for its prominent female characters.
During an interview with Digital Spy, he said: "It was scripted that way, and obviously I need to apologise to all the sexist Neanderthals out on Twitter who were having a go at me.
"Obviously, they're completely clued up on the way the real world works."
The show creator has also extended his thanks to the entire production team of Bodyguard, as well as extending his thanks to viewers for a 'fantastic response to the series' in a post on Twitter.
