Bodyguard creator explains why he decided to kill off main character halfway through the series

Speaking with the Radio Times Jed Mercurio also addressed criticisms that the drama is anti-Islamic and confirmed he would like to do a second series.

Jed said: “I think there’s a certain expectation with series TV that it will always orbit around an equilibrium, in which nothing much changes for the main stars, and there are no drastic changes to the set-up, especially now things tend to run for several series.

"But, with my work, I like to try to do things that move the story on, and with Bodyguard I wanted to have this event mid-series that would completely alter the dynamic.”

Viewers of the hit BBC drama were left stunned when the Home Secretary – played by Keeley Hawes – succumbed to her injuries caused by the bomb blast the previous week.

Fans of the show – and of Keeley – were hoping that, because they never saw her dead body – she would come back in a shock twist.

But a tweet of this week's Radio Times magazine nipped that idea in the bud with the headline: "Why she had to die" written across a picture of Keeley as Julia.

Keeley, 42, took to Twitter to thanks fans for their "lovely messages" regarding the show.


Tweeting a twin up of pictures of her with her co-star Richard Madden, Keeley wrote: "It has been amazing to be part of #Bodyguard.
"Everyone’s enthusiasm for the show has made it so exciting. Thanks again for watching and for the lovely messages."

Referring to the Whitney Houston song from the classic 1992 movie of a similar name, she added: "And Iiiiieeiiiieeeiiiiiiiiii will always love youuuuuuuuuuuuu! @_richardmadden".

The fourth episode of the hit BBC drama began in the aftermath of the explosion which went off during Home Secretary Julia Montague's speech.

For the first 15 minutes, viewers had no idea if Julia – played by Keeley – had survived the blast, but eventually, it was revealed she had succumbed to her injuries.


Viewers were left stunned by writer Jed Mercurio's decision to kill off a major character with two episodes in the series left to go.

Taking to Twitter, viewers shared their shock at the latest twist, with one writing: "Wtf…seriously gobsmacked now..jaw hit the floor #Bodyguard."

Another added: "WHAT THE F*** IS GOING ON #Bodyguard" and a third tweeted: "WHAT THE ACTUAL EFFIN HELL #BODYGUARD."


Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


Source: Read Full Article