BBC Cancels Period Drama UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS

The BBC announced today that after two seasons on the air, there are currently "no plans" for a Season 3 of the period drama UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS. The show was revived in 2010, where it attracted over 8.8 million viewers for its premiere episode. The final episode of season two dropped to 5.22 million viewers. The original series was broadcast on ITV from 1971 to 1975 with five seasons consisting of of 68 episodes.

A BBC spokesperson confirmed, "From Call the Midwife to Bird Song and The Syndicate, 2012 has been a great year for Original British Drama on BBC1 but at this stage there are no plans for Upstairs Downstairs to return".

The most current version of the show was written by screenwriter Heidi Thomas who posted on her Twitter account, "Really touched by all the love and sadness for Upstairs Downstairs. It was made by a tremendous team and I can't praise them enough. Truly sad about Updown, but can now fully and wholeheartedly honour the massive commitments I have elsewhere, including Call The Midwife."

Actor Neil Jackson, who portrayed chauffeur Harry Spargo on the series commented, "I have just heard that the BBC will not be making any more Upstairs Downstairs. I loved the show and will miss it greatly."

Fans have set up a petition on Twitter and a Facebook page urging BBC execs to reconsider a third series.