Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

BBC axe hits TV drama Spooks

Pa
Thursday 11 August 2011 09:55 BST
Comments

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.

BBC1 spy drama Spooks is being axed after almost a decade on air.

The show will end at the conclusion of its next run which begins next month.

Programme-makers said it was the right time to make way for "new spy dramas which reflect the changing world around us".

The show has become renowned for killing off many of its main characters since its launch in 2002, including the death of Lisa Faulkner's character during the first series. She died after her head was plunged in boiling fat, prompting complaints to the BBC.

Show bosses say the series will come to a "natural end" with a plot which continues to revolve around the relationship between central characters Harry Pearce (Peter Firth) and Ruth Evershed (Nicola Walker).

Executive producer Jane Featherstone - of independent production company Kudos - said: "The heart of the show has become those two characters and I feel they own it. We've followed the arc of their personal story and I think they've brought us to a natural end."

Stars of the series have included Matthew Macfadyen, Keeley Hawes, Rupert Penry-Jones and Hermione Norris, with guests over the years including Hugh Laurie, Lindsey Duncan and Benedict Cumberbatch.

The final, 10th series sees Alice Krige and Jonathan Hyde joining the cast, with Simon Russell Beale returning as home secretary.

BBC drama controller Ben Stephenson said the show would bow out with "what promises to be a fittingly high-octane thrilling finale".

He said the show had "challenged convention with its topical, fast-paced, contemporary style" and helped re-define drama on BBC1.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in