'Ackley Bridge' fans in mourning as Channel 4 axes show

Ackley Bridge fans are upset at the news that Channel 4 has decided to axe the school drama after five series.

The comedy-drama set in a multi-cultural school in West Yorkshire launched in 2017 and stars Sunetra Sarker as school counsellor Kaneez Parach, Jo Joyner as headteacher Mandy Carter and has seen Ashley Walters work as guest director in previous series.

Channel 4 said in a statement: "We’re immensely proud of Ackley Bridge, which over the last five series has received praise for the way in which it has tackled real-life situations and issues in an irreverent and insightful way.

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"However, Channel 4 has a responsibility to continuously look for new and innovative ideas and we have made the difficult decision to not greenlight another series.

"We’d like to thank The Forge, the wonderful cast and all those involved in the show’s success over the years and we look forward to working with them again on future projects."

Former EastEnders star Joyner, 45, said: "Over and out! Very proud to have been a part of the fantastic #AckleyBridge Some incredible years, fantastic memories and wonderful friends. All good things must come to an end."

Fans expressed their disappointment on social media.

One tweeted: "So annoyed that Channel 4 has axed Ackley Bridge!!"

Another said: "Loved Ackley Bridge so much, was such a comfort show!!"

One fan exclaimed: "I’ll never see fizza again. bruv i am MOURNING. #AckleyBridge [sic]"

And another commented: "Ackley Bridge has been a massive part of my life since it first aired five years ago. I've loved every single episode of every series, and the show will be sorely missed. Can't wait to rewatch the whole thing very soon. Farewell Ackley."

Some blamed the return of school drama Waterloo Road, which is returning to BBC One for the first time since 2015.

Luke shared a common option on social media when he said: "Shame about #AckleyBridge but guessing Channel 4s decision was only helped by the fact #WaterlooRoad is coming back."

Read more: Ackley Bridge star Sunetra Sarker 'didn't want to be Indian' when she was a child

But he added: "I dont see why two school based shows wouldn’t work look at the biggest soaps on TV they are just copies of each other."

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