'Jane Hall' axed after one series

ITV has dropped the axe on Sally Wainwright's comedy drama Jane Hall after just one series.

Starring Sarah Smart in the lead role, the show had been one of few to receive critical acclaim in an otherwise lacklustre summer for the broadcaster.

Nicola Shindler, chief exec of producers Red Productions, said: "We've not been given any indication by ITV why it isn't coming back."

The six-part series had a troubled history at ITV, even before making it to air. Filming originally wrapped in May 2004, but numerous re-scheduling decisions - and a change of title from Jane Hall's Big Bad Bus Ride - meant that it was a further two years before it found a place in the schedules.