BBC denies losing £1.2m on `Seaforth'

The BBC yesterday denied a suggestion that its decision not to commission a new series of the 1940s northern saga Seaforth had cost licence-payers £1.2m.

Such claims were "inaccurate and misleading", said the corporation's head of drama serials, Michael Wearing. "The bulk of this sum, amounting to £1m, would have been an investment by BBC Worldwide in anticipation of overseas sales, but payable only on condition that a second series of Seaforth was produced," he said.

Yesterday Malcolm Gerrie, managing director of the independent Seaforth producer, Initial Film and TV, claimed the BBC had already invested £1m in the project - in addition to £200,000 committed to develop the second series. He also said he had been toldto go ahead with a second series.

Mr Wearing denied the BBC had ever ordered a new series.