A major BBC drama has been canned after its debut season, much to the dismay of the star-studded cast.
The show, which included Stephen Graham in a leading role, was critically acclaimed and achieved high audience numbers when it hit screens in 2023.
Despite running for only four episodes, the Beeb appears not to have any intentions to continue the series.
Boiling Point continued the narrative from the 2021 film with the same title and resumed the story eight months after leaving audiences on a cliffhanger. The character Andy Jones, portrayed by Stephen Graham, suffered a heart attack at the end of the movie.
The TV sequel followed his journey trying to find his footing without being at the helm of a kitchen. Vinette Robinson took the reins as Carly stepping into Andy’s shoes at Jones and Sons, accompanied by new chef Johnny (Stephen Odubola) and kitchen hands Jake (Daniel Larkai) and Holly (Hannah Traylen).
The finale saw Carly battling financial issues at the restaurant by accepting a wedding event. Despite plenty of room for further development, the show finds itself prematurely placed on the back burner, reports the Mirror.
“It’s not often a drama gets such love from viewers and critics but Boiling Point was such a rarity the team has been left disappointed that there’s no news on a second series”, a source told The Sun.
“The fact is there’s still an appetite for more, it’s just making that happen,” the insider added to the publication. “Boiling Point is on the shelf, so to speak, but if the right story or idea comes along then there’s every chance it could be back on screens one day.” The BBC has been approached for comment.
Meanwhile, last year after just one season, the BBC drama Better was scrapped after its debut. The gritty police series which saw Andrew Buchan as cutthroat Irish mobster Col McHugh and Leila Farzad as the compromised DI Lou Slack won’t be receiving a follow-up.
In its 2023 debut, DI Slack took regular backhanders from the smooth-talking McHugh. Scripted by Jonathan Brackley and Sam Vincent, this five-part crime thriller caught the attention of viewers.
A source revealed to The Sun at the time: “Better did good business, averaging almost four million viewers an episode, and there was an appetite to learn more about the tangled lives of McHugh and Slack. But the BBC is keen to bring a slew of new shows which means that, unfortunately, some popular dramas have to make way.”
Similarly, the praised BBC drama I May Destroy You also didn’t get a second run after premiering in 2020. The series, starring and created by Michaela Coel, met the same fate despite acclaim and numerous awards, including BAFTAs for Best Mini-Series and Best Actress. The BBC has been contacted for comment.
Boiling Point is available to watch on BBC IPlayer.