The WWII ‘masterpiece’ ITV axed despite 50,000 fans | UK News

A star-studded World War II drama collection based on a best-selling guide was axed by ITV, and even a Change.org petition with 50,000 signatures could not reserve it. Home Fires ran on the broadcaster for two collection in 2015 and 2016. The period drama adopted the lives of the women of Great Paxford Women’s Institute on the Home Front during the Second World War and their efforts to deliver together their neighborhood. Series one started in 1939 while collection two dealt with 1940. 

The solid featured some of the most acclaimed actors in the nation including Francesca Annis, Samantha Bond and Claire Rushbrook and viewing figures have been spectacular for both collection. The season two finale ended on a cliffhanger with a dramatic crash which noticed a fighter airplane nosedive into the roof of one of the village properties, with the destiny of its inhabitants left up in the air. 

It was believed a third collection can be imminent; however, immediately after the printed of the finale, solid member Daniel Ryan  informed his Twitter followers that the collection wouldn’t be returning.

This was then confirmed by ITV. A spokesman for the broadcaster said: “We are incredibly proud of what Home Fires has achieved, but the ITV commissioning team continues to refresh the channel’s drama portfolio, hence the decision not to commission a further new series.”

Devastated fans organised a petition that generated 50,000 signatures but to no avail. However, the author continued the story as a novelisation so fans may discover out what occurred to their favorite characters.   

Almost a decade after it went off air, Homefires still holds a 100% Rotten Tomatoes ranking and has glowing reviews from fans on Google—although some took umbrage at the abrupt ending.

“I loved loved loved this series. I am so so disappointed that it ended with so many loose ends. To me, it was on a par with Heartbeat, Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey. It was a way to see what ordinary people went through during the war and to follow the lives of the people in the village. What were ITV thinking in not making a series 3 of this brilliant programme? Shame on you!!” one fan fumed.

“This is a beautiful show. Wonderfully acted, loveable characters, and captivating content without needless drama. How this show was cancelled and Downton Abbey went on for so long, I’ll never know. A true injustice,” another penned. A 3rd chimed in: “An amazing Series! My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t believe they cancelled it! Why?!?! For the love of all things holy, please continue the series!”

“Really good series. Enjoying it for the 1st time. It shows real life during WWII. It takes you through a range of emotions in each episode. Fabulous acting, the characters portrayed are absolutely believable. Shame that only two series were made,” a fourth lamented.

Meanwhile, a fifth shared: “I loved Home Fires, it is now one of my favourite Dramas of all time. I first saw Home Fires advertised on ITV3, showing repeats. I’d never watched it when it was originally on ITV back in 2015. I tuned in to watch it every week on ITV3 until the last ever Episode. I was very shocked and surprised at why the writers ended the show like that.”