You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
BBC1 is axing Italian detective drama series "Zen", starring Rufus Sewell, prompting producer Left Bank to begin talks with other broadcasters, reports the Guardian.
The series is based on Michael Dibdin's novels, published by Faber.
The decision provides further evidence that new BBC1 controller, Danny Cohen, is beginning to impose his imprint on the channel. "Lark Rise to Candleford", based on Flora Thompson's novels, was axed last month and last week another BBC1 drama, "Outcasts", was shifted to a Sunday late-night slot part way through its run after disappointing ratings.
Left Bank is now in talks with other broadcasters about continuing the series on a new channel.
Left Bank also makes BBC1's Swedish detective drama "Wallander", starring Kenneth Branagh, based on Henning Mankell's novels (Vintage).
Over its three episodes "Zen" averaged 5.7 million viewers, according to consolidated figures, around the same number as the first series of "Wallander".