Hit ITV crime drama with Bafta-winning star axed after four series after ratings plummet

A HIT ITV crime drama has been axed after four series - following a ratings plummet.

The show launched on ITV in 2020 and soon became a fan favourite series.

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McDonald and Dodds starred Tala Gouveia and Jason Watkins in the title roles.

The premise paired two mismatched Detectives in Bath, where the show was filmed.

An ITV spokesperson told that ratings for the final series hadn't met the threshold for a recommission.

At the end of series four, McDonald had seemingly accepted her partner's marriage proposal - but fans won't see what happens next.

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Upon hearing the news, viewers took to social media to share their reactions.

One wrote on X: "That's a shame. I really enjoyed it - and the locations in and around Bath were lovely."

Another added: "Cancelled? Good grief. A first rate pair of actors, playful scripts and a great location. I despair at times, I really do."

A third penned: "Real shame! Enjoyed this and good shows never last these days!"

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While a fourth remarked: "Bitterly disappointed as this was a fabulous series."

Jason, 62, previously won a Bafta for his lead role in two-part drama The Lost Honour of Christopher Jeffries.

As for Tala, 35, she had small parts in EastEnders and Cold Feet before landing her lead role as McDonald.

She is soon jumping to another detective show, having been announced as a guest star for the upcoming series of Death in Paradise.

Further cast members included Claire Skinner, Charlie Chambers and Bhavik C Pankhania - in addition to guest actors throughout the run.

The decision follows fellow ITV crime drama Vera recently concluding its run.

Starring Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope, the much-loved show ended after on January 2, after 14 years on air.

McDonald and Dodds is available to watch on ITVX.

Crime dramas on ITVX

Crime drama buffs have a wide selection of choices on ITVX - here is a selection of some of the programmes available to binge.

• Professor T: Based on a Belgian TV series of the same name, former Death in Paradise lead Ben Miller plays the title character. Professor Jasper Tempest is a criminologist with OCD who helps the police solve crimes. The cast also includes Emma Naomi, Barney White and Andy Gathergood.
• The Beast Must Die: This series follows a mother's grief for her son, who was killed in an accident. Nicholas Blake's novel of the same name has been adapted for the programme. Stars include Cush Jumbo, Jared Harris, Billy Howle and Geraldine James.
• Red Eye: Starring Richard Armitage, Jing Lusi and Lesley Sharp star in this six-part thriller, which mostly takes place  during an all-night flight between London and Beijing. With dead bodies piling up and a mystery to unravel, the heroes must work fast to get to the truth.
• The Twelve: This Australian drama originally aired as a miniseries in 2022, with the episodes dropping in the UK in February 2023. Four months later, the show was renewed for a second season. Jurassic Park star Sam Neill stars in the leading role of barrister Brett Colby.
• Manhunt: Martin Clunes stars in this drama based on true murder investigations. Series one focused on the death of Amélie Delagrange, which took place in 2004, while the second depicted the search for serial rapist Delroy Grant.