ITV to axe Taggart, but denies decision to do with STV dispute
ITV has axed long running police drama series Taggart after 28 years, apparently as a result of poor viewing figures.
The STV series was revived following a hiatus, during which STV and ITV entered a legal dispute over STV’s opt out policy, which was settled last month.
STV has claimed that it is exploring a range of options with alternative broadcasters in a bid to keep the series going.
A spokesperson for ITV, commented: "Since it was first broadcast in 1983, Taggart has been one of ITV's most enduring dramas but, reflecting the demands of our audience and as part of the ongoing creative renewal of the ITV1 schedule, our priority is to invest in new and original drama for the channel.
"ITV1 broadcast five out of the top 10 new dramas on any channel last year, including the most popular new drama in over five years, Downton Abbey.
"A broad range of new drama series premiering on the channel over 2011 includes Marchlands, Vera, Injustice, Scott & Bailey, The Jury and DCI Banks."
STV and ITV entered into a co-production deal to revive the series two years ago, when it looked as though the last murder had taken place within the series.
Rob Woodward, chief executive of STV commented: "Now ITV has come to a landing, it's up to us to decide how to take it forward. The latest series sold extremely well internationally, including in new territories like France and Germany. We're talking to other broadcasters and reviewing what the options are."
ITV has said that the decision was taken not as a result of the legal dispute between the two broadcasters.
STV recently denied that actor John Michie, who has recently agreed to take a regular role in Coronation Street, had yet decided to leave the show as a result.