BBC backlash as popular comedy axed

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Alan Partridge star Steve Coogan has been hit by a blow with the announcement his BBC Two comedy The Witchfinder is to be axed after just one season. The show aired last March with Daisy May ­Cooper, Tim Key and Reece Shearsmith in leading roles. However disappointing viewing figures have dictated it won’t be renewed.

Set in 1647, the six-part series followed witchfinder Gideon Bannister (Key) and his suspected witch Thomasine Gooch (May Cooper).

They embarked on a road-free trip through an England gripped by civil war, famine and plague so Bannister could publicly try Gooch as a witch in Chelmsford.

Steve co-produced the show which was written by brothers Neil and Rob Gibbons who also created and directed This Time with Alan Partridge.

Alongside the leads it also featured Spaced star ­Jessica Hynes plus Royle Family legend Ricky Tomlinson.

But even such a stellar cast and creative team couldn’t help it to capture viewers’ imagination.

“The Witchfinder kicked off with decent ratings but quickly plunged to a level where execs just couldn’t justify giving it a second season,” a source told The Sun.

“It’s fair to say the concept was fairly niche so it was always going to be tricky finding an audience, even on BBC2.

“But although it won’t be coming back, its departure does make way for new comedy projects on the Beeb.”

Fans were not impressed by the announcement taking to Twitter to vent.

A user called @LHaze39 write: “Yet Mrs Browns Boys keeps getting churned out. Sorry about Witchfinder. Pleased to see Here We Go is coming back though. And I hope Ray will too.” (sic)

@RupertThomson said: “Sad news. I really enjoyed The Witchfinder.”

Meanwhile a user called @harryfordcomedy lamented what could have been, writing: “Imagine if Blackadder has been cancelled after it’s first series. I thought The Witchfinder had tons of potential.” (sic)

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It’s the second TV show blow for Steve in recent times.

His BBC One drama The Reckoning has already been pushed back months.

This is due to the sensitivities of him playing Jimmy Savile.

He has recently finished touring Stratagem: Alan Partridge Live around the UK.

Witchfinder star Tim Key is currently on the road touring his live comedy show Mulberry.

Meanwhile Daisy May Cooper will next be seen on screen in new BBC comedy Rain Dogs.

However, she has recently been making headlines for her dramatic weight loss rather than her acting.

She showcased her sensational slender look for the first time at this year’s Brit Awards.

 

The Witchfinder is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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