BBC axes Ripper Street due to low ratings
The drama will not return for a third series
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BBC One period drama Ripper Street has been axed due to poor ratings, the BBC has confirmed.
The second series of the drama received disappointing ratings after being pitted against ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in the TV schedule.
Ripper Street debuted to almost 8 million viewers in 2013, but its latest episode on Monday 2 December drew just 3.3 million.
A BBC spokesman said: “We are very proud of Ripper Street which has enjoyed two highly ambitious series on BBC One.
“However, the second series didn't bring the audience we hoped and in order to make room for creative renewal and new ideas it won't be returning.”
But fans have argued the BBC’s decision to move Ripper Street from a Sunday to Monday night has caused the ratings to decline.
Breaking the news on BBC London radio, actor Jerome Flynn urged commissioners to reconsider.
“We’re all in absolute shock because it’s a wonderful job and we feel like it’s kind of this unfinished work. So we’re hoping it will turn around if anyone from the BBC is listening.
“It’s one of the most captivating characters I’ve played, and also been part of in terms of the story, so it is suddenly like a marriage being broken.”
The period crime drama, which also stars Jerome Flynn and Adam Rothenberg, is set in Whitechapel in London’s East End.
The decision to axe the drama comes weeks after ITV announced the end of Whitechapel, about a modern crime unit investigating murders in east London.
A change.org petition has been launched to save the drama following yesterday’s announcement, attracting 2,000 signatures so far.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments