Television viewers and BBC executives would be delighted to see a second series of Bodyguard, the political thriller currently drawing in record audiences on Sunday nights.

There is only one problem: the drama has turned Richard Madden, its lead actor, into such a star that he may be too busy fending off film offers to reprise his role.

Jed Mercurio, the Bodyguard writer, said he would “absolutely” like the show to come back next year, but the project depends on Madden.

“He’s the genuine article, a real leading man. And I think this role has put him very much in the spotlight for bigger things. So the practicality may be that we have to work round his availability, if we are lucky enough to get him back,” Mercurio said.

Inevitably, after impressing in an action thriller, Madden has been touted as the next James Bond, as was James Norton when he appeared in the BBC’s McMafia.