BBC to axe Ballykissangel

The BBC has announced that Ballykissangel is to be axed at the end of this series.

BBC bosses made the decision to scrap the drama, which is filmed in Co Wicklow, after six years and plan to replace it with new shows.

A spokesman said the series had five more episodes to run, the last being in April.

He said: "Ballykissangel has had a terrific run for six years but it's been decided that Fitzgerald's bar will close for the last time at the end of the current series.

"It's always sad to say farewell to an old friend but we have a number of new dramas destined for BBC1 including McCready and Daughter starring Patsy Palmer, and Nice Guy Eddie starring Ricky Tomlinson.

"And there are many more on the way."

Viewing figures had fallen from about 15 to eight million in the recent series.