‘The Halycon’ has been axed.
The ITV period drama was tipped to be the replacement for the channel’s highly popular ‘Downton Abbey’ when it debuted on screen earlier this year but it seems it’s failed to fulfill expectations as bosses have decided not to commission it for a second installment after less than four million viewers tuned into the final episode last month.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "It’s a shame ‘The Halcyon’ hasn’t been given a second series because it had a loyal set of fans who really enjoyed it. It got really good reviews but just didn’t get the huge following that they were expecting."
Bosses were almost certain that the show, which is based on spies, politicians and aristocrats gathering in one of London’s finest hotels to escape bombs and rationing, would be a success as ‘Downton Abbey’s producer Chris Croucher was put in charge and was working with the likes of Olivia Williams, Steven Mackintosh and Kara Tointon.
A spokesperson for the channel explained: "ITV Âregularly Âconsiders the range of dramas we commission to ensure the right Âbalance. It does mean on occasions we have to take tough decisions, and not all drama can be recommissioned.
"We are really pleased so many people enjoyed ‘The Halcyon’ and we are proud of what the series achieved. We’d like to thank ‘The Halcyon’ production team and actors and everyone at Left Bank Pictures for their hard work."
Despite the recent axe, the channel is still flying high after its period drama ‘Victoria’, which stars Jenna Coleman as the late queen, won over the nation last year.
The show did so well that producers recomissioned it for another installment before the series had concluded and have even decided to do a festive special later this year.
The Halycon gets the axe
