BBC Three axes sitcom

BBC Three has axed its sitcom White Man Van after two series.

Star Will Mellor said that corporation ‘politics’ was behind the decision.

‘White van man is over!,’ he Tweeted. ‘Thanks for all your support, but the BBC don't think its worthy of a third series! Politics.’

Writer Adrian Poynton added: ‘On behalf of everyone involved, thank you for your support. We were all ready to do more but the BBC have decided against it. Feel free to spread the news to people who loved the show (and complain as much as you like to the BBC). We are all gutted.’

The first series averaged around 860,000 viewer, but the second – which finished last month – did not achieve half that.

A BBC spokesman confirmed to Chortle that the series had not been recommissioned.

The news comes even though America’s ABC network is developing its own version of the comedy, about a son who reluctantly inherits his father’s handyman business. My Name Is Earl executive producer Bobby Bowman wrote the US adaptation.

BBC Three controller Zai Bennett has now axed almost all the comedy shows he inherited when he took over the channel at the very end of 2010. Only Russell Howard’s Good News survives the cull which saw Mongrels, Two Pints Of Lager and How Not To Live Your Life cancelled, among others.

Published: 30 Apr 2012