ITV explains why ‘The Durrells’ has been cancelled

It was revealed this week that The Durrells will end next year and now we know a bit more about why.

Based upon Gerald Durrell’s classic trilogy of Corfu memoirs, The Durrells launched on ITV in April 2016 and the final season begins filming on Corfu next month.

Commenting on the reasons behind the decision to wrap up the series, an ITV source told The Mirror: “The vast majority of the adventures in the books have been told. It’s sad, but at least it will go out at the top.”

They explained that The Durrells creator Simon Nye “has been brilliant at coming up with episodes, but there is not really anywhere left to go. He feels he has done all he can.”

Executive producer Sally Woodward Gentle also commented: “We’re going back to Corfu for one last firefly fuelled adventure of love and mishap.”

She added: “It has been such an incredible journey following this warm and enchanting family come of age, but their adventures on the island have reached a natural conclusion. I can’t think about it without crying though…”

The cast are also increasingly busy with other projects.

Keeley Hawes (Louisa) can be seen later this year in the BBC’s new political thriller series Bodyguard and six-part period drama Summer of Rockets, while Josh O’Connor (Larry) has joined Netflix’s The Crown as Prince Charles and Callum Woodhouse (Leslie) is returning in the next season of Cold Feet.

The Durrells is available to buy on DVD now.

Season 3 premieres in the US on Sunday 30 September at 8/7c on Masterpiece on PBS.