‘The Durrells’ star to lead cast of new BBC thriller ‘Bodyguard’

Keeley Hawes is starring in a new BBC thriller series from the creator of Line of Duty.

The Durrells in Corfu star will be joined by Richard Madden (Game of Thrones, Cinderella) in Bodyguard.

Written by Jed Mercurio, the six-part drama tells the fictional story of David Budd (Madden), a heroic but volatile war veteran now working as a Specialist Protection Officer for the Royalty and Specialist Protection Branch of London’s Metropolitan Police Service.

When he is assigned to protect the ambitious and powerful Home Secretary Julia Montague (Hawes), whose politics stand for everything he despises, Budd finds himself torn between his duty and his beliefs. Responsible for her safety, is he actually her biggest threat?

Keeley Hawes commented: “I’m delighted to be working with Richard Madden and once again with Jed Mercurio, and the hugely talented team behind Line of Duty. Bodyguard is such an exciting project. I can’t wait to get started.”

Richard Madden added: “I’m very excited to be working with Jed Mercurio again and thrilled to be working with Keeley Hawes for the first time. Jed has created a remarkable story that resonates with the very heart of modern-day London and real characters trying to survive in this world.”

The cast also includes Gina McKee (Our Friends In The North), Sophie Rundle (Peaky Blinders), Vincent Franklin (Happy Valley) and Rowena King (Trauma).

Bodyguard is filming in London now and will air in the UK on BBC One next year.