BBC axes Upstairs Downstairs - reports

Following disappointing ratings for the second series of Upstairs Downstairs, it appears the BBC has decided not to make a third

Neil Jackson, who plays chauffeur Harry Spargo in the BBC revival, shared his opinion of the news on his Twitter page.

"Such a shame. I have just heard that the BBC will not be making any more Upstairs Downstairs. I loved the show and will miss is greatly (sic)," he tweeted.

Neil then replied to a fan on Twitter who asked whether an intervention by Upstairs Downstairs fans would help, saying "maybe".

Often described as a rival to ITV1's beloved Downton Abbey, it seems the viewing public wasn't as enamoured with the renewed Upstairs Downstairs, which originally aired on ITV back in the 1970s.

The new adaption of Upstairs Downstairs averaged 7m viewers for its first series, but audiences noticeably dropped for the second. The ratings were even defended by star Keeley Hawes (Lady Agnes Holland), who commented back in March after concerns were raised.

"We only have the consolidated figures for the first episode and we got eight million. So I think, on a normal day, without the juggernauts that have been coming about recently on TV, I think that's pretty respectable. Very healthy indeed," she said.

The second series average dropped to just over 5m; this downward trend goes a long way to explaining why the BBC felt a third series probably wasn't viable.

The latest series of the show was also troubled by the losses of co-creators Eileen Atkins, who left, and Jean Marsh, who was ill.

In a recent poll by MSN TV - which asked period drama fans whether they preferred the new Upstairs Downstairs, the original one or Downton Abbey - the results were unanimously in Downton Abbey's favour, with a whopping 66% choosing the ITV1 show.

Just 10% said they preferred the new Upstairs Downstairs.

The BBC has yet to make an official comment on the news.

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