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Martin Compston and Suranne Jones' Vigil breaks record for BBC

Photo credit: World Productions - BBC
Photo credit: World Productions - BBC

Martin Compston and Suranne Jones' drama Vigil has become the UK's most watched new drama launch in three years.

The BBC has confirmed that 30-day viewing data has revealed that the thriller's first episode was watched by 13.4 million viewers, making it the highest rated new drama launch on any UK channel since Bodyguard launched on the BBC in 2018.

The six-part drama is also the second most watched drama of the year so far, finishing just behind the sixth season of Line of Duty.

Photo credit: World Productions - BBC
Photo credit: World Productions - BBC

Related: Vigil creator says there's "another way to read the show"

BBC Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore said of the show's achievement: "Vigil kept viewers hooked as Suranne Jones took them on a thrilling journey like no other. The series' incredible success is testament to the power of the writing and a brilliant cast and crew."

Simon Heath and Jake Lushington, executive producers for World Productions, which made Vigil, said: "A very big thanks to everyone who tuned in and stayed for the six weeks of Vigil's thrilling voyage through the Atlantic. The show was brought to the screen by a terrific team in Scotland and these huge figures are the result of their brilliant work."

Vigil stars Gentleman Jack's Suranne Jones as Detective Chief Inspector Amy Silva, who is sent onboard HMS Vigil, a ballistic missile submarine, to investigate a sudden death on board the ship – an investigation which brings her into conflict with the Royal Navy and MI5.

Photo credit: World Productions - BBC
Photo credit: World Productions - BBC

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The drama also features Line of Duty star Martin Compston, Game of Thrones actress Rose Leslie, Endeavour's Shaun Evans and Noughts + Crosses star Paterson Joseph.

So, with these huge viewing figures, could we be diving into a second season of Vigil one day? Nothing has been confirmed yet but star Anjli Mohindra, who plays Tiffany Docherty in the drama, has said that there have been "conversations" about another season, adding: "I think there's stuff on the horizon. But nothing confirmed just yet."

Fans have already been urging the show's creators to bring another season to our screens, with viewers expressing sentiments such as "SEASON 2 OF VIGIL… GIVE IT TO ME NOW".

Vigil is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.

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