'Heartbeat', 'The Royal' to air until 2010

ITV has reportedly revealed that police drama Heartbeat and its spinoff show The Royal will remain on TV screens for the next two years.

Earlier, it was reported that the broadcaster had decided not to recommission the programmes once they finish their current production run.

However, it is now thought that ITV has stockpiled enough episodes of both shows to transmit a new series of each this year and in 2010.

"Heartbeat and The Royal are an important part of ITV's schedule and are currently in production," said an ITV representative.

However, the spokesperson refused to comment on the future of the programmes after 2010.

Heartbeat, which is set in a rural Yorkshire village, debuted in 1992 and attracted audiences of around ten million at its peak. Spinoff show The Royal was launched in 2003, but both programmes have recently seen a decline in viewing figures.

ITV reportedly decided to axe the Sunday night dramas in a bid to save money. The popularity of reality shows including Dancing On Ice and I'm A Celebrity... has also been partly blamed for the demise of traditional drama.

Last week, the broadcaster announced that it will be scaling back production on long-running drama The Bill.