Netflix has Bodyguard in its crosshairs

The BBC could face a fight to keep Bodyguard after Netflix acquired the international rights to the drama. The announcement came on the day that Lord Hall, the BBC director-general, said the corporation must find more money to compete with American streaming giants, raising the prospect of an increase in the licence fee. Bodyguard, starring Richard Madden, pictured above, has given the BBC its biggest drama debut since records began, with more than eight million viewers tuning in to last Sunday’s episode. Jed Mercurio, the show’s writer, has said he has ideas for a second series, and Netflix would relish the opportunity to acquire it.