The BBC’s latest hit series Bodyguard has a fan in Amber Rudd.

Keeley Hawes, the series’ lead actor, had researched the politician while preparing to play fictional home secretary Julia Montague.

Rudd, who resigned from the role in April, revealed she’s been “gripped” by the first three episodes of Jed Mercurio’s drama, which tracks the character’s affair with her personal bodyguard (Richard Madden).

The Telegraph reports that Rudd praised the series for its “accurate depiction” of the job, adding that the sex scenes “may be a little far-fetched”.

The Conservative MP, who represents Hastings and Rye, said: “Like everyone, I have been absolutely gripped by Bodyguard. I love it. And it is a pretty accurate depiction of what the relationship is like between a home secretary and their bodyguard in the sense that they are incredibly close to you a lot of the time – although obviously not that close!”

Another former home secretary, prime minister Theresa May, was not as enthusiastic about the series, reportedly turning it off after 20 minutes.

Bodyguard has become the most watched BBC show in 10 years, the first episode receiving a seven-day consolidated figure of 10.4 million viewers.