“When 'Line of Duty' started on BBC2, there was a feeling that it couldn't ever become a big show because the BBC2 drama budget is much smaller, and a returning cop series would take away from the Stephen Poliakoff/David Hare stuff that they love to commission.”

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.