ITV axes drama after just one series despite A-lister lead and huge ratings
A devastating blow for the Walking Dead icon.
ITV has officially axed Coldwater after just one series. The gripping drama, which marked Andrew Lincoln's first lead role on British television in 20 years, struggled to maintain its staggering figures after debuting with almost 3.9 million viewership. The six-parter featured the Walking Dead icon as John, an unhappy married father, who moved his family to rural Scotland after a traumatic incident in London.
Despite their seemingly fresh start, John and his wife Fiona (Indira Varma) become entangled in their suspicious neighbour's (Ewan Bremmer) sinister schemes after joining their bizarre local Bible study group. Although the finale ended on a cliffhanger, the broadcaster has called time on the thriller. An ITV spokesman said: “We’re hugely proud of Coldwater and everyone involved in making it.
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They added: "While there are no plans for a further series, we loved bringing this story to screen." This left fans hugely disappointed as one fumed: "This is what drives viewers away from terrestrial TV."
Others were looking forward to a second series, after the finale saw Tommy disappear, leaving John and his family terrified by his possible return.
An excited viewer shared: "I didn't feel like I'd just wasted six hours of my life, as the ending could have been much worse. Brilliant cast & acting. Bring on Series two."
As another concluded: "Weird, funny and enjoyable, roll on series 2… #Coldwater."
"#Coldwater was so good. Andrew Lincoln was phenomenal as always, hope we get a series 2," added a fifth.
Coldwater, which was written by David Ireland, boasted a star-studded cast, with Eve Myles, Varma, Bremner, Samuel Bottomley, Abigail Lawrie and Sanjeev Kohli appearing in supporting roles.
While the series began with almost 3.9 million viewers in September, it fell to 1 million.
In addition to the cliffhanger, the axe seemed unexpected, as writer David Ireland previously said: "I do find the characters really fascinating and it would be great to keep them going for a few more seasons."
At the show’s launch, ITV Head of Drama Polly Hill added: “We are very excited for ITV to be the home for this brilliant new thriller exploring masculinity, religion and ultimately murder.
"David’s scripts are wonderful, and original and have attracted an incredible cast led by Andrew Lincoln. It promises to be a really unmissable drama, and I am delighted to be working with Jane Featherstone again and her brilliant team at Sister."
