Rich wants to take on Budd guys again
Fury as Martin Clunes rides elephant ..while patron of charity opposed to it
HIT Madden & Keeley Hawes BODYGUARD star Richard Madden says he is excited about a possible second series, with the story starting up to two years after we last saw his character.
More than 10 million tuned in to its finale in October, making it the UK’s most watched drama.
Fans saw David Budd try to protect Keeley Hawes’ divisive home secretary.
Speaking at a Netflix event in LA, Madden said he had spoken to creator Jed Mercurio, who wrote hit series Line Of Duty.
He said: “Me and Jed agree there’s something more interesting in ‘let’s catch up with him 18 months, two years, and say where is he now?’
“I think there’s a really exciting story in there and I’d be keen to see what Jed comes up with.” Star Clunes grips elephant and climbs up trunk in Nepal LISTEN UP Clunes pulls on beast’s sensitive ears for lift USE YOUR HEAD He clambers toward wooden saddle MARTIN Clunes has been accused of “legitimising” animal cruelty after he was filmed riding an elephant, and using its ears and trunk to climb up.
The actor, 57, is a patron of Born Free, which opposes elephant rides, but was seen doing just that on Thursday in Martin Clunes: My Travels and Other Animals on ITV.
Will Travers, Born Free president, said he would be talking to Clunes “about the future”.
Mr Travers said: “It is deeply unfortunate that Martin Clunes, while exploring the relationship between captive Asian elephants and the people of Nepal, rode a captive elephant... thereby reinforcing the perception that this is an acceptable activity.”
Born Free patron John Richardson said: “This was dangerously naive.”
Audrey Gaffney, of the Ethical Bucket List, also hit out. She said: “Martin rode this elephant in a wooden saddle, which is extremely painful and damaging on animal’s spine.
“He also holds on to the elephant’s ears, which are one of their most sensitive areas.
“In the face of obvious cruelty, he denied his own conscience and rode an elephant, which would appear contrary to the ideology of Born Free and his role as patron.”
In the show, Clunes expressed concern about the rides, saying while it was a “kinder life than hauling heavy logs... I am not sure it’s a fitting occupation for the largest land animal on the planet”.
But Ms Gaffney said: “What is most disappointing is despite his reservations and clear knowledge the of the nature of this form of tourism he rides the elephant, which legitimises it.” Save The Asian Elephants agreed, saying it was “regrettable” that Clunes was seen “clambering on a captive Asian elephant with its [keeper], with apparent approval”. Campaigners say there is no “ethical way” to ride an elephant as they are not designed to carry weight on their backs. Monty Don, Jane McDonald and Michael Portillo have also been criticised over elephant rides. ITV said: “Martin made it very clear to viewers that he had serious concerns about elephants carrying people.” It added that it is “deeply unfair” and “misrepresentative” to suggest the programme endorses cruelty. Clunes in the ‘painful’ saddle How Mirror has exposed mistreatment Tell us what you think: yourvoice@mirror.co.uk