POLICE comedy Piglets is being axed by ITV after just two series.
I can reveal bosses made the tough call when the second instalment, released in January, failed to bring home the bacon.
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Bosses made the tough call to axe the show when the second instalment, released in January, failed to hit the required ratings Credit: ITV
Members of the Piglets cast attending a screening in 2024 Credit: Rex
After the disappointing ratings, bosses at the channel have decided to focus on new comedies instead.
A TV insider said: “There was great hope for Piglets when it was first released and even though the response to the debut series was mixed, bosses believed it deserved a follow-up.
“But unfortunately, the second series didn’t set the world alight — which made it even harder for ITV to give it another chance.”
The second season was released to little fanfare, compared to the first, which suggests ITV had little confidence in it.
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The comedy, which aired on ITV2, was written by Green Wing creator Victoria Pile. It starred comedy veterans Mark Heap and Sarah Parish, who played superintendents overseeing a new intake of wannabe cops.
The second series added Traitors fan favourite Maddy Smedley to the cast, but sadly her inclusion did not spark an upturn in fortunes.
Before it was released, the sitcom was blasted by the Police Federation of England and Wales over its “highly offensive” title — based on “pig” the slang term for police officers.
Officials said that the name was “insulting” and “inflammatory”.
Of the show’s axing, an ITV spokesman said: “There are currently no plans for a third series of Piglets.
“We would like to thank all the cast and crew for their hard work in bringing these unforgettable characters and stories alive on screen.
“Viewers can watch the adventures from series one and two by streaming all episodes on ITVX”
It’s Lost chance, celebs
The makers of The Traitors are planning a celebrity spin-off of their new Lost-inspired survival show, featuring terrifying desert island scenarios Credit: Alamy
Not only are the makers of The Traitors producing a show inspired by hit TV thriller Lost, they are also doing a celebrity spin-off too.
I revealed last week how the “civilian” version of the programme is about to be filmed this summer.
And execs at Studio Lambert are already planning a star-studded version with terrifying scenarios, such as a plane crash-landing on a desert island, as happened in the Noughties US drama.
It’s not yet clear which channel or streamer will snap it up but a TV insider said: “A lot of the challenges, and the tropical environment they’re competing in, make this show similar to I’m A Celeb.
“So it’s a no-brainer to do a version which actually features celebrities too.”
I’m starting to think that The Traitors was the last original TV idea execs were capable of coming up with.
Danny Dyer and Emily Atack’s new gameshow Nobody’s Fool launched to a lukewarm 1.2m viewers at the weekend. Even Channel 4’s movie, The Equalizer 3, had a bigger audience than the Traitors-style show debut. ITV bosses will be hoping it doesn’t make them look like fools.
Surrey it cost you, Al
Alan Titchmarsh has snapped up a £2.6million Surrey home that was previously won as the top prize in a £10 Omaze raffle Credit: Alamy
Gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh has made headlines after buying a former Omaze competition winner’s house.
The £2.6million Surrey pad was the top prize in 2024’s nationwide raffle, with tickets going for just £10.
But I can reveal that telly veteran Alan, who wanted to downsize and be nearer his grandchildren, had to take a hit to make the move.
His estate in Hampshire was on the market for £3.95m – but he had to knock a whopping £450,000 off the asking price to shift it.
Alan had previously said: “Looking after four acres and a Grade II-listed house has been a treat beyond measure.
“But the day will come when it starts to be overwhelming, and I’d rather move on before that becomes the case.”
Rob: I’ve too much baggage
Rob Beckett says filming the second series of The Celebrity Traitors was ‘proper hard graft’, despite enjoying meeting the cast Credit: Getty
Rob Beckett reckons filming the upcoming second season of The Celebrity Traitors was proper hard graft.
He told the Parenting Hell podcast: “Everyone was lovely, really good, I enjoyed it . . . well, I enjoyed meeting the people, it was quite hard work.”
Rob also said of taking part in the new series of the BBC show – which will air in the autumn – that his wardrobe was so big that he got hit for an excess baggage charge before flying home from Scotland.
He said: “My bag was overweight. My upbringing meant we didn’t have a lot of money and your bag cannot be overweight.
“So I get there and it was 1kg over, and I was like, ‘Oh, what an idiot!’
“Anyway, they went, ‘It’s going to be £12’.
“For 40 years I’ve been running around, taking stuff out and putting my shoes in a backpack to carry on a plane – and it’s £12!
“I need to rebalance my approach to this.”
Zoe to grin and bear it
Zoe Ball says she’s moved on from missing out on the Strictly Come Dancing hosting job, as she launches a new podcast venture Credit: Getty
Zoe Ball soon got over not landing a Strictly Come Dancing hosting role, even insisting last week she was quite glad to miss out.
Now, I think I know why – as the former Radio 2 breakfast show host had a plan B ready, in the shape of a new podcast business.
She has just formed Bear and Bodkin Ltd with long-time pal Emma Coquet, who has also worked for years as an assistant to her DJ ex, Norman Cook.
The company lists as its “nature of business” broadcasting and sound recordings.
The firm’s name, in case you wonder, comes from the Rupert Bear kids’ books, in which Bodkin is The Professor’s assistant who joins Rupert on his adventures.
I’m sure Zoe’s and Emma’s latest adventure will be every bit as magical.
Good luck to them.
