'The L Word' gets final series order

Lesbian drama The L Word will return for a sixth and final series.

The last eight episodes of the Los Angeles-set show will be filmed in the summer.

Robert Greenblatt, entertainment president at The L Word's US home Showtime, confirmed the final run would air early next year.

He said: "We are enormously proud of the legacy of The L Word, a groundbreaking series that well surpassed its niche as a gay show."

Ilene Chaiken, creator and executive producer, said she was "thrilled" to be able to "conclude this journey we have all taken together".

Fans would be able to participate online during the final run, she said, and added: "This is by no means the end of The L Word).

"The brand and the social network community, OurChart.com, will continue to live and be a destination for lesbians everywhere and a lasting tribute to what The L Word has accomplished."

The show has aired on Virgin 1 predecessor Ftn and Living in the UK.