Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes to star in BBC One drama Bodyguard

The pair lead the cast of the six-part series from Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio.

Set in and around the corridors of power, Bodyguard 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 (RaSP) of London’s Metropolitan Police Service.

“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.” – Richard Madden

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?

“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.” – Keeley Hawes

The cast also includes Gina McKee, Sophie Rundle, Vincent Franklin and Rowena King.

Bodyguard will be produced by World Productions for BBC One and filming is already underway in London. ITV Studios Global Entertainment will manage international distribution of the series. 

“I’m hugely flattered by the superb cast who’ve joined Bodyguard, led by Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes, both of whom I’m delighted to be working with again, and I’m immensely grateful to the BBC and World Productions for their unstinting support for the series.” – Jed Mercurio, Creator, writer and Executive Producer