BBC takes axe to 'HolbyBlue'

BBC police drama series HolbyBlue will not return for a third series, it has been confirmed.

The Holby City spinoff made its debut in May 2007 with a run of eight episodes, and was given an extended second series, including a crossover episode with its older sibling, in an attempt to build an audience.

However, in its 8pm timeslot on Thursdays it failed to make a dent in The Bill's ratings and even fell behind BBC Two's Springwatch in head-to-head competition.

Claire Phillips, drama executive at creator Tony Jordan's production company Red Planet Pictures, told The Guardian: "HolbyBlue set new standards for 8pm dramas, in terms of production values, storytelling and casting.

"We are extremely proud of the 20 hours of HolbyBlue that we produced but following discussions with the BBC, the decision has been made not to make a third series."