Primetime BBC One dramas to be axed

BBC One has announced it will be axing primetime shows The Chase and New Street Law.

Drama The Chase, penned by the writer of Band of Gold, will be removed from its Sunday night slot. While Legal show New Street Law about two rival barristers has also been axed.

The channel has blamed a review of its primetime shows by controller Peter Finchman as the reason for the shake up.

A BBC spokesman said: "We can confirm that after two series each, The Chase and New Street Law will not be returning. However, we are in discussions with makers Rollem Productions (The Chase) and Red Production (New Street Law) about forthcoming exciting projects.

"We look forward to working with them in the future. BBC Drama constantly monitors all productions to keep them fresh and challenging.”

Bosses have also considered dropping long-running shows such as Dalziel and Pascoe and The Inspector Lynley Mysteries from the schedule.

Revamped fairytales are in the pipeline to fill the slots, including Cinderella and Rapunzel.