Broadcaster decides not to commission 28th series of Scottish detective drama, but it could continue in some form on STV

This article is more than 9 years old

This article is more than 9 years old

ITV has closed the casebook on long-running detective drama Taggart, although the Glasgow-based series could live on in Scotland.

The series began on ITV in 1983 and starred Mark McManus in the title role until his death in 1994.

ITV has decided not to commission a 28th series of the show for its flagship channel ITV1 after its last run averaged fewer than 4 million viewers. The broadcaster axed another long-running police drama, The Bill, last year.

But Scottish broadcaster STV, which makes the show, is investigating ways of keeping the show on screen in Scotland.

An ITV spokesman said: "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."

ITV and STV, which have been involved in a long-running legal dispute which was settled last month, put their commercial differences aside to co-fund one more series of Taggart last year. UKTV also invested in the show in return for repeat rights for its Alibi channel.

STV is hoping to find another UK or overseas broadcaster to help finance more episodes of Taggart.

An STV spokesperson said: "STV is exploring a range of options for Taggart with number of broadcasters. We are committed to the brand and recognise the continuing popularity of this long-running series."

A spokesman for Taggart's international distributor, DRG, added: "Taggart is a hugely popular series internationally. For example, it is aired across three different TV channels in Australia and, the most recent seasons have achieved their best reception yet. It's our shared ambition to return Taggart to UK screens and we can confirm we're currently working closely with STV as we explore options to achieve this."

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