'Spooks', 'Waking The Dead' tipped for axe

BBC dramas Spooks and Waking The Dead are both facing the axe, a report has claimed today.

According to the Daily Mail, both shows are likely to return for only one more series each due to the corporation's forthcoming revamp of its drama output.

The BBC's director of drama commissioning Ben Stephenson recently confirmed that a number of high-profile programmes are to end in the near future.

A ninth series of Spooks, which stars Hermione Norris, has already been confirmed for BBC One's autumn schedule. Detective series Waking The Dead has also been commissioned for another run which is to air in 2011.

However, discussing long-term strategies, a source said: "There just isn't that much more to be done with Spooks, it does feel very tired as a format. It seems the right time to try something else. Viewing figures are dwindling and it has seen an exodus of its biggest names in recent years."

A BBC insider added: "Waking The Dead is going because they cannot afford to make it anymore and it has pretty much run its course."

Responding to the speculation, a spokesperson for the corporation commented: "It is not true these shows have been cancelled. Spooks will return for a new series in the autumn and Waking The Dead will be back on screens in 2011."