Sutherland: '24 could continue without me'

Kiefer Sutherland has said that 24 could survive without its lead character Jack Bauer.

The actor, who has played the chief protagonist since the programme first aired in 2001, told ShortList that he is afraid that the drama could continue without him.

Sutherland said: "I'm not the real star of the show, not at all. All of us, from the actors to the writers on 24, have always understood from Day 1 that we are not, and never will be, the heartbeat of the show.

"You only have to look at the casualty list of major characters that have died over the years to know you can be killed off, and the show will only get better without you. The real star of 24 has always been the concept of doing this show in 'real time'.

"You involve a running clock and inherently it makes the viewer sit forward and feel on edge. That changed TV forever, I think."

Asked who he wanted to replace his character should he die, he added: "Nobody. F**k. I'll switch into Jack Bauer mode and do whatever I have to do to kill that b*stard.

"It's my job man, and people should know when I go, I'll be going kicking and screaming. Let's say, even if Jack were to die, there are a lot of great actors that could do it, and be successful at it, but that doesn't mean I’d be happy about it."

It was recently suggested that 24 could end after its upcoming eighth season.