The Royal Bodyguard is a British television sitcom, written by Mark Bussell and Justin Sbresni, and starring David Jason, Geoffrey Whitehead, Tim Downie and Timothy Bentinck. A series of six episodes began on 26 December 2011, concluding on 30 January 2012. The first episode picked up more than 8 million viewers but the series declined in ratings throughout, with the fifth episode barely achieving 2 million viewers. The series was heavily criticised by viewers and critics. At 71 Jason was widely felt to be too old for the lead role. The show was cancelled by the BBC and will not return for further episodes.