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Everything We Know About 'Bodyguard' Season 2 As Stars 'Guarantee' It's Coming

Everything We Know About 'Bodyguard' Season 2 As Stars 'Guarantee' It's Coming

Jed Mercurio's 'Bodyguard' has been 'guaranteed' a second season - here's what we know so far...

Joanna Freedman

Joanna Freedman

It's rare that a TV drama as gripping as Bodyguard comes along.

The six-part BBC One series was an absolute smash hit when it arrived on screens in 2018, with a peak audience of 17 million tuning in for the final episode. And Jed Mercurio's show had a second surge of popularity when it landed on Netflix, too.

Packed with tense cliffhangers, jaw-dropping twists and a heart-throb in Richard Madden's lead character David Budd - the series really did tick all the boxes.

But for what seemed like an age, Mercurio and all the cast remained pointedly mysterious about whether the show would be back for another instalment.

That is, until now.

As fresh hope of a second season of Bodyguard emerges, here's everything we know so far...

The BBC series has now been 'guaranteed' a second season (
BBC/Bodyguard)

Is Bodyguard Season 2 Confirmed?

We've been waiting and waiting to find out whether there's definitely going to be a second season of Bodyguard, and the good news is that we finally know the answer is YES.

For months, all we got were vague answers when Jed Mercurio or any of the cast were quizzed. They all seemed up for it, but they just wouldn't confirm anything.

Richard Madden previously revealed that he was meeting with Mercurio to discuss a second season, adding back in June that he was "very keen" to return.

Meanwhile, Mercurio joked about "killing off" cabinet ministers in a new season this month when responding to Jacob Rees-Mogg's political controversies - but never commented on whether this was more than a social media gag.

But now, actor Nicholas Gleaves - who played Conservative Party Chief Whip Roger Penhaligon - has confirmed the news we've all been waiting for, promising that he's spoken to producers, and another season is "absolutely guaranteed".

Richard Madden is 'keen' for another series. (
PA)

When will Bodyguard Season 2 air?

Unfortunately, given how shrouded in mystery the new season of Bodyguard is, we don't yet have an air date.

Speaking to Radio Times as he revealed the show's comeback, Gleaves said: "I spoke to the producer a month ago and he absolutely guaranteed that there would be a second series, and he absolutely guaranteed that he's no idea when it's going to be!" Way to keep us on our toes, Nick.

We can, at least, try and work out a release date from Richard Madden's interviews.

The actor said in May 2019 that he and Mercurio had decided to "give it at least a year while we work out how we can do something better," than the first series.

Realistically, this means that we won't be seeing the show on our screens until at least August 2020. Sorry, folks.

What's the plot of Bodyguard season 2?

David Budd could have a new job in season two. (
BBC/Bodyguard)

Seeing as the series was only confirmed mere days ago, we don't yet have any concrete details on plot.

However, Mercurio previously hinted to the Radio Times that in order to move the plot along, Budd could return to his duties but in a different format, say, as a security guard for the Royal Family or a foreign dignitary.

Madden's interviews also seem to confirm the plot wouldn't take off from where series one ended, but jump forward in time.

He told the Hollywood Reporter: "You cannot jump into it. David Budd definitely needs a vacation after that. He's not going to go back to work, is he? And also he's the most famous man in London because of what happens at the end of episode six. He couldn't just go straight back into work.

"Me and Jed both agree that there's something much more interesting in 'Let's catch up with him 18 months later, two years later after this has happened and say where is he now? What's happened to him?'"

He added that there were several factors the second series would likely focus on, such as Budd's "mental health," where he is with his wife and children and where his career is now.

Jed Mercurio also wrote 'Line Of Duty'. (
PA)

"He's not going to sit back and retire, and he's not going to pick a normal job. He's going to be engaged in something interesting," he said. "I think, with the nature of the story, to have this gap where you let David grow a bit...I think it's going to be really useful."

Mercurio's jibe about killing an MP off in the new season could be a sign of what's to come, too.

While the comment was likely little more than a dig at Rees-Mogg, could it show that the new season will be tuned in to modern politics and some of the big issues we're facing today - such as Brexit?

Only time will tell...

Which cast will return for Bodyguard season 2?

Again, without knowledge of the plot, we can't guarantee any comebacks, other than that of lead protagonist David Budd.

However, Mercurio appeared to confirm to Radio Times that, like with his other hit, Line Of Duty, the show is likely to maintain some of its key protagonists but change the antagonists.

Given that Budd is likely to remain a Bodyguard, returns from Gina McKee as Cmdr Anne Sampson, Nina Toussaint-White as DS Louise Rayburn and Ash Tandon as DCI Deepak Sharma are expected.

Budd's wife is likely to return. (
BBC/Bodyguard)

Meanwhile, given Madden's suggestion that Budd's family life is to be explored next season, Sophie Rundle is more than likely to return as Vicky Budd.

Gleaves also said he would love to return to his role as MP Roger Penhaligon, although this all depends what direction Budd's career goes in next.

Will Keeley Hawes return as Julia Montague?

Julia Montague won't return. (
BBC/Bodyguard)

In Jed Mercurio's world, we'd never rule it out completely...but she is dead, so, you know, it's rather unlikely to say the least.

What happened in Bodyguard season 1?

If you need a refresh before season 2, you probably have time to rewatch season 1.

But we'll save you the effort with this brief recap.

The first series of the drama saw Julia Montague killed by Luke Aitkens (Matt Stokoe) and his squad, in a bit to prevent her from becoming PM.

Aitkens was so keen to scarper her political ambitions as her rise to power might have meant more money to the security services, and, subsequently an end to his dodgy dealings.

Budd eventually managed to crack the case and prove his innocence. (
BBC/Bodyguard)

But at the end of the season, Aitkens was exposed and jailed, and Budd's boss Lorraine Craddock was sent down too for helping him behind the scenes.

The series initially turned on Budd, as everyone, from his colleagues to his family, thought he was responsible for Julia's death.

However, when he worked out the truth he was cleared of all involvement, and looked like he was on the way to repairing his relationship with his wife Vicky and their two children.

Train bomber Nadia's role in her attempted terror plot was also questioned throughout the series, and eventually Budd worked out that, far from the defenceless scapegoat, she was the main orchestrator of the whole thing.

Plus, she'd been working with Aitkens throughout the plot, making bombs in exchange for money in order to further his cause.

Here's the season finale trailer to jog your memory further:

Now, we've just got to patiently wait for season two to find out what's in store next...

Featured Image Credit: BBC

Topics: BBC, TV News, TV Entertainment