BBC's 'Bodyguard' is set to return for a second season.

Richard Madden

Richard Madden

The new drama - starring Richard Madden as protection officer David Budd and Keeley Hawes as Home Secretary Julia Montague - has attracted huge viewing figures and show bosses are already thinking about a second series.

Writer and creator Jed Mercurio told the Daily Mirror: "I have got some ideas for a second series, but it is worth waiting until the run is finished to see which bits worked and which bits didn't work for the audience.

"We clearly need to be offering the audience another 'Bodyguard' experience if we are lucky enough to get a second series, those conversations are for the future."

However, Jed is currently concerned with keeping viewers of season one guessing and admitted he has put in some "red herrings" to trick them.

He said: "I have put in some red herrings, you have to be able to have a number of possible answers in play and that is all about what you let the audience in on and what you keep from them."

'Bodyguard' will end after six parts with a 75 minute special on September 23; the final episode has been extended by 15 minutes to ensure an explosive finale.

A source previously said: "Giving an episode of any drama series more than a 60-minute slot is a rare event on the BBC, so this proves just how much they value 'Bodyguard'.

"Viewers are unlikely to complain, given that the audience response tends to be that they've usually been left wanting more every time.

"This should ensure that 'Bodyguard's climax is unforgettable, particularly as the tension has been continually rising over the last three episodes."