Jed Mercurio, the scribe behind the BBC’s highly-anticipated new series, Bodyguard, has thrown his support behind star Richard Madden as the next James Bond.

The media has been in overdrive this past week with speculation over who could possibly succeed Daniel Craig. Idris Elba has been the favourite most recently, with the actor himself even teasing fans amongst a debate about the ethnicity of the character.

At a launch event for Bodyguard, Mercurio acknowledged the visual comparisons between Madden’s character and the gun-toting, suited Bond, and went on to support the actor taking over as Ian Fleming’s iconic creation.

“Richard’s a fantastic actor,” Mercurio said. “I worked with him before on Lady Chatterley’s Lover and I had a brilliant time collaborating with him on this, and I’d love it if we could ever work together again in the future.”

“If there are certain signature roles out there in the world, certain brand leading roles, then I couldn’t think of a better candidate!”

Madden, on the other hand, didn’t want to generate any speculation and, with a smile, said “I’m not saying anything!”

Bodyguard was confirmed this week to air on Sunday August 26th at 9pm on BBC One with the second episode falling just one day later, on Bank Holiday Monday, the 27th.

We’ll be sure to pass on any updates relating to Bodyguard as and when we receive them.