'Taggart' axed by ITV after 28 years

Published May 12 2011, 09:48 BST  |  By Catriona Wightman

Taggart has been dropped by ITV.

According to Broadcast, the channel has decided to end the crime drama after 28 years because the last series picked up relatively low ratings.

An ITV spokesperson confirmed the news and explained that the "significant" amount of money spent on Taggart will now be invested in new drama.

"Since it was first broadcast in 1983, Taggart has been one of ITV's most enduring dramas," the representative said. "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 on the channel."

However, Taggart could continue to air in Scotland after the last series performed well for STV.

STV's chief executive Rob Woodward said that he is "pretty confident" about the show's future, adding: "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."

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