Richard Madden: Bodyguard Budd needs a two-year break

The actor said he would prefer to revisit the character after a two year break 
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Bodyguard star Richard Madden said he is excited to work on a second season — but his character David Budd first needs a well-deserved holiday.

The political thriller became the UK’s most watched drama of the year when its finale hit screens in October. Since it ended, viewers have called for creator Jed Mercurio — who is also behind Line Of Duty — to write another season.

Madden said he has spoken to Mercurio but they decided to give it at least a year before getting back together.

Speaking at a Netflix event in Los Angeles, which streams the show overseas, he said: “You cannot jump into it. David Budd definitely needs a vacation after that. He’s not going to go back to work, is he?”

He added: “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?’”

Fans and critics were hooked on the show, which saw Madden’s protection officer trying to prevent Keeley Hawes’s divisive home secretary from coming to harm. Asked if he was excited to get back to playing Budd, Madden said: “Absolutely, I am fascinated by this character and have been since I first picked up that script.”

Bodyguard is up for three BAFTA TV gongs at this Sunday's ceremony, including Drama Series, Leading Actress and Virgin Media's Must-See Moment.

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