Brenda Blethyn sitcom Kate and Koji axed after two series

'Kate and Koji' has been axed.

The ITV1 sitcom - which stars 'Vera' actress Brenda Blethyn as acerbic seaside cafe owner Kate who strikes up an unlikely friendship with asylum seeker doctor Koji - first aired in 2020 and returned for a second series earlier this year but the broadcaster has confirmed that no more episodes are in the pipeline.

An ITV spokesperson confirmed to The Daily Mirror newspaper: "We've loved having 'Kate and Koji' on the channel but after two series there are currently no plans for a third. We would like to thank all the cast and crew for their hard work in bringing these characters alive on screen and in the studio in front of a live audience."

The series - which was created by 'Outnumbered' writers Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton - also starred 'Inbetweeners' actor Blake Harrison as Kate’s long-suffering nephew Dan, Barbara Flynn as Kate’s nemesis Councillor Bone and saw 'Ted Lasso' star Jimmy Akingbola take on the role of Koji, before he was replaced by Okorie Chukwu for the show's second outing.

Other comedies said to be coming up on ITV in 2023 include the likes of 'The Family Pile', which follows four sisters selling up the family home following the death of their parents, as well as 'Changing Ends', an autobiographical series based on the life of comedian Alan Carr.

Brenda previously explained that it was "quite challenging" to play such an "abrasive character" but thought the premise was "lovely" because it allowed for "ordinary people" to take centre stage.

She said: "Kate is more outspoken than me, definitely! She's prickly, whereas I'm a pussycat who is putty in anyone's hands. It's quite challenging playing someone like that, but enjoyable to be abrasive now and again. It's great!. I grew up in that sort of town and I know those caffs and I know the people who work in those caffs. It's nice to have those people you wouldn't normally see on TV take centre stage. The leading characters in this story are ordinary people, people who are struggling to make ends meet. For them to find a place of refuge in this caff with all its trials and tribulations, I think, is quite lovely."