“I think it's hugely important to have a strong episode one; you can lose an audience so quickly now. You can't afford to take the attitude that you will use the first one as an introduction and save the high drama for later.”

British television writer, producer, director and novelist

Jed Mercurio is a British television writer, producer, director and novelist. Before turning to television, he worked as a hospital doctor and served as a Royal Air Force officer. He was born Gerald Gary Mercurio and has been ranked among the leading writers in UK television. Mercurio is known for his work across drama, as well as for moving from medicine into writing and production. In 2017, he received a Fellowship of the Royal Television Society and the Baird Medal from RTS Midlands, recognition that reflects his standing in British television.