Crossroads to stay, say ITV

ITV have denied reports that daytime soap Crossroads is to be axed due to low ratings since its return.

Nick Elliott, ITV Controller of Drama, said: "These stories are utter rubbish. We are quite happy with Crossroads. It's not being shelved.

"The aim all along has been to get it established, then turn up the heat and get more people to watch it in the summer, especially kids who'll be off school."

He also denied reports that it is to be replaced by new soap Trafalgar Road. "We have high hopes for both shows. Trafalgar Road will be on at a different time to Crossroads," he added.

An ITV spokesman said: "The initial viewing figures were never going to be sustained but now they've stabilised."

"Last week Crossroads' audience share went up by 5% to 25%. Now we think it will grow, but we're not expecting it to match Neighbours' seven million."