It was the most watched new drama on British television for a decade.

And the clamour for a second series of the BBC’s political thriller Bodyguard reached fever pitch last night as millions tuned into watch the gripping, feature-length finale.

Jed Mercurio, the Bodyguard writer, has confirmed that talks with the BBC regarding a follow-up have already begun, expressing confidence that the show will return.

After weeks of speculation, fuelled in part by writers and actors deliberately misleading viewers over the plot, the six-part drama ended with confirmation that Sergeant David Budd, played by Richard Madden, was one of the good guys as he helped bring down the coterie of villains responsible for murder of Home Secretary Julia Montague, played by Keeley Hawes.

By keeping PS Budd alive, Mercurio has left the door open for him to return, potentially with a new VIP to protect.

He told Radio Times he “absolutely” would want a second season, but added: “The broadcaster holds all the cards.”