Channel 4 axes gritty drama after just one series despite good ratings and a string of gongs

CHANNEL 4 has axed hard-hitting drama The Gathering – despite good ratings and three prestigious awards.

Set on Merseyside, the six-parter featured Boiling Point’s Vinette Robinson as pushy parent Natalie, a woman determined to see her mentally fragile daughter Jessica become a star gymnast.

Executive producer Simon Heath said: “The series performed very well for Channel 4 but there are new people in charge and new priorities, meaning The Gathering won’t be coming back.”

Ten Pound Poms actor Warren Brown appeared as Paul, who was facing jail after a vicious bust-up in a park.

He won the Best Actor award at the Monte Carlo Television Festival in June for his performance, while newcomer Eva Morgan, who played Paul’s gymnast daughter, won Best Actress and the show itself picked up Best Series.

Return of the Mac to Oaks

HOLLYOAKS legend Danny Mac is making a shock comeback after a decade away.

The actor played Mark “Dodger” Savage in the Channel 4 soap between 2011 and 2015 and will now make a permanent return to the show.

Viewers will see him on screens from January when he has a dramatic reunion with the Blake family.

A source said: “Bosses are really keen to solidify the clans in the village and bringing Dodger back to reunite him with his sisters, dad and very dangerous grandmother is the cherry on top for them.

“Danny’s really excited to be back on set and he’s been promised explosive twists and turns in Dodger’s story.

“It’s a really exciting time under new boss Hannah Cheers and it was the perfect time to return.”

Dodger was last seen in the village in 2015 when his daughter Nico pushed his brother Will off a rooftop, seemingly killing him.

Dodger took the blame to try and protect Nico and fled the village for a new life on the run.

During his time on the show he was involved in some of the most controversial storylines in Hollyoaks’ history, including a reveal that he had fathered his twin sister Sienna’s daughter.

Dodger and Sienna had met as teenagers, not knowing they were related, and she went on to become pregnant.

After they reunited in later life, Sienna developed feelings for him despite knowing he was her brother — and held him hostage in an attempt to make him rekindle their relationship.

The soap has recently introduced Dodger and Sienna’s biological father Jez Blake — the twin brother of Patrick, the man they thought was their father.

Now Jez and his mother Martha have arrived in the village to head up the family — and Dodger’s return will complete the clan.

After leaving the show, Danny went on to compete in Strictly Come Dancing in 2016.

He became the first contestant in the show’s history to score full marks in the samba, before finishing as runner-up with pro partner Oti Mabuse.

He also appeared in Sky One comedy Trollied, an episode of Midsomer Murders and two episodes of BBC soap Doctors.

An impressive CV — but far less dramatic than Dodger’s exploits.

Paddy is grin bad books

PADDY McGUINNESS was all smiles yesterday after using his divorce from ex-wife Christine in a punchline.

The Bolton-born comedian grinned as he arrived at BBC Radio 2’s studio in Salford for his weekly show, despite fury over the jibe he made while opening his new comedy tour, Nearly There, last week.

The ex-Top Gear host said on stage: “Folks, we’re all here as human beings with one common goal – and that’s to help me pay for my divorce.”

Friends close to Christine, who was married to Paddy for 11 years and is mum to his three children, said she was “devastated”.

One pal added: “Christine was horrified to be a laughing stock.”

Paddy also mocked Prince Andrew and Phillip Schofield in his routine.

And spare a thought for Simon Cowell, who the comic said “has a face like a melted Caramac”.

You best behave, Romesh

ROMESH RANGANATHAN has landed a brilliant new co-host – his mum – for his latest gameshow.

Parent’s Evening will see mum Shanthi help him keep track of his celebrity contestants’ scores as they answer questions and place their faith in their nearest and dearest.

Alison Hammond and her son Aidan, Tony Bellew and son Corey, Joel Dommett and mum Penny, and Richard and Chloe Madeley will feature.

Romesh said: “Even in a short space of time, you get a fascinating insight into the parent-child dynamic. Richard Madeley revealing he doesn’t wear underwear was probably the most shocking moment.”

Romesh Ranganathan’s Parents’ Evening, Saturday, 9.10pm, ITV1 and ITVX.

Gen Z-ers fighting abortion

A NEW documentary will investigate how a growing number of UK youngsters are campaigning against the country’s abortion rights.

It comes as government statistics say our termination rate is the highest on record.

In Young, British And Anti-Abortion, filmmaker Poppy Jay meets the young Brits fighting to end access to abortion.

Poppy said: “Immersing myself in the UK Gen Z anti-abortion movement was an eye-opening experience. I think the abortion debate, with the way social media polarises views, will be one of the most divisive issues of our time and beyond.”

The film will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer next year.

Blow for it, Emma

THE Crown star Emma Corrin looks a million miles from her most famous role as Princess Diana in the Netflix drama.

The actress seemed to have got the horn as she filmed new Amazon drama 100 Nights Of Hero, which is currently being made in the countryside of Hertfordshire.

It’s an adaptation of Isabel Greenberg’s feminist fairytale, which started life as a graphic novel.

The production will also star Maika Monroe and singer Charli XCX.