BBC DENIES 'SPOOKS', 'DEAD' AXE

The BBC has denied that Spooks and Waking The Dead are facing the axe. Earlier today, reports surfaced which suggested that both shows were likely to return for only one more series before being dropped. However, a BBC spokesperson told Digital Spy that the reports are completely false. "They are not facing the chop or being cancelled. We have no plans to axe either show as they remain hugely popular with our audiences." The spokesperson also confirmed that Spooks will return for a new series this Autumn, and Waking The Dead will be back in 2011.

SPOOKS & WAKING THE DEAD FACE WRATH OF BBC BUDGET CUTS

Two of the BBC's most popular dramas, Spooks and Waking The Dead, face the axe as the corporation attempts to refresh its drama output. Both shows have been earmarked for the chop as part of a major revamp to free up cash and air time for new projects. Ben Stephenson, who runs BBC drama, has admitted the strategy is a 'huge risk... a bloody terrifying decision'. He has refused to name any shows being dropped but sources have revealed among the first of the big name dramas to go is likely to be Spooks. Insiders say that after one more series, the ninth, which airs this autumn, the programme will end. The first series of Spooks averaged an audience of 7.5 million in 2002 but dropped to around 6 million over the past few years. The last series, which broadcast in November and December, averaged just 4.7 million viewers. Insiders also claim that Trevor Eve's 'cold case' detective drama Waking The Dead will not return after the next series airs in 2011. The drama, which began 10 years ago, is said to be expensive and is regarded as 'having run its course'. The last series hit 6.5 million viewers and beat Agatha Christie's Miss Marple on ITV. But Holby City, Casualty, Waterloo Road and New Tricks are all thought to be safe. The BBC has already said it is scaling back on its costly costume dramas after they dominated the schedules over the past two years. The overhaul comes after the BBC Trust told the corporation to produce better drama, in a report last year. It said it wanted to see 'greater range and ambition across all types of drama on the BBC'. A drama insider said: 'There just isn't that much more to be done with Spooks, it does feel very tired as a format. 'It has been eight years since it started - it seems the right time to try something else. Viewing figures are dwindling and it seen an exodus of its biggest names in recent years.' A BBC insider: 'Waking The Dead is going because they cannot afford to make it anymore and it has pretty much run its course' Viewers have also started to comment that much loved shows are past their best on BBC Messageboards. Among the new programmes commissioned include Laconia, a Second World War drama written by Alan Bleasdale, A Passionate Woman, starring Billie Piper and Sue Johnston; Luther, a new police drama; and a further series of Doctor Who, with Matt Smith replacing David Tennant. The broadcaster will make about 450 hours of drama across its channels this year. Mr Stepenson has claimed that success at the BBC did not rely on the size of audiences. He added: 'Success at the BBC is much more complex.' A BBC spokesman said: 'It is not true these shows have been cancelled. Spooks will return for a new series in the Autumn and Waking the Dead will be back on screens in 2011.'