ITV announce the World War II drama starring Olivia Williams, Alex Jennings, Kara Tointon and Steven Mackintosh will not be returning
ITV has axed its period drama The Halcyon after just one series.
The wartime drama, starring Steven Mackintosh and Olivia Williams, was seen as a replacement for Downton Abbey in the schedules.
But the broadcaster said that although it was “proud” of “what the series achieved”, it would not be returning.
“ITV regularly considers the range of dramas we commission to ensure the right balance and range, together with the best mix of returning series and new dramas,” it said in a statement.
“It does mean on occasions we have to take tough decisions, and not all drama can be recommissioned.”
The drama followed the fortunes and the hustle and bustle of London's Halcyon Hotel owned by Lord Hamilton (Alex Jennings) and his wife Lady Hamilton (Olivia Williams) during the Second World War.
Popular actor Steven Mackintosh (Luther, The Land Girls) played calm and professional hotel manager, Richard Garland, while former EastEnders actress, Kara Tointon starred as cabaret singer Betsey Day.
The drama, created and written by Charlotte Jones, drew comparisons with Downton Abbey and had a successful opening episode pulling in over 7 million viewers.
However viewing figures dwindled over the course of the eight week run, with just over 5 million tuning in to watch February’s finale which ended with a cliffhanger when a bomb blew up the hotel bar.
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