Friel: 'I'm so proud of Pushing Daisies'

Anna Friel has claimed that her axed comedy-drama Pushing Daisies will pave the way for more experimentation on television.

The 33-year-old actress played Charlotte 'Chuck' Charles on the quirky show for two years before ABC cancelled the programme in November 2008.

Reflecting on the setback, Friel told the California Chronicle: "I was gutted for the audience and the fanbase. People were saying to me that they couldn't believe it had been dropped.

"But I'm so proud of it. I'm so glad I was part of something that was genuinely groundbreaking TV, and although it didn't last a lifetime it'll stay in people's memories for a long time, I think. It has definitely opened doors for other people who want to make daring TV."

She added: "It was done over two years which makes it the longest job I've ever done. So it was sad saying goodbye to everyone and those fantastic costumes and great sets. But there's no point in wallowing in it."

Pushing Daisies told the story of a piemaker named Ned (Lee Pace) who was able to bring the dead back to life with a single touch. The show also starred Chi McBride and Kristen Chenoweth.