Bradley Walsh quits Law & Order UK, while ITV says it's 'resting' crime drama

Bradley Walsh has said quitting Law And Order: UK was 'one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make', but refused to rule out a return to the show, which ITV said it is 'resting'.

The actor, who has played detective Ronnie Brooks for eight series, said the character had become 'one of my best friends'.

He said: "It's been an absolute pleasure to inhabit Ronnie's Mac for as long as I have. Eight series is a wonderful achievement for everyone involved in the production.

"This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make. I hope one day to revisit him, but for now I'd like the opportunity to pursue other drama projects, which ITV are developing."

The final episode of Law And Order: UK is on ITV at 9pm next Wednesday (June 11), but studio bosses said it could make a comeback.

Director of drama commissioning Steve November said: "There may well come a time when we re-visit Law And Order: UK. For the moment, we'll be resting the series whilst we continue to refresh our drama slate."

Law And Order: UK, based on a popular US drama, was first shown in the UK in 2009.

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix.

An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.