Gothic crime drama Whitechapel is shelved by ITV

Rupert Penry-Jones' other screen credits include BBC dramas Silk and Spooks

BBC NEWS
19 November 2013 Last updated at 13:06

ITV gothic crime drama Whitechapel has been axed after four series, the cast and crew have confirmed.

Its star, Rupert Penry-Jones, broke the news via Twitter, saying that "ITV don't want any more Whitechapel".

The decision to end the show is part of ITV's efforts to "continue to refresh the channel's drama portfolio", it said in a statement.

The show chronicled a police unit investigating brutal murders in east London.

Penry-Jones, who starred alongside Steve Pemberton and Phil Davis, said in his Twitter message: "Sorry to be the bearer of bad news everyone, but ITV don't want any more Whitechapel. That's all folks."

Series director Jon East also shared the news of the programme's demise via Twitter, saying: "We went out on a bang! Shame nevertheless. It was a great roll, a terrific cast and crew firing on all cylinders. So, onwards!"

"Whitechapel has been a successful drama commission since first broadcasting in 2009. The commissioning team continue to refresh the channel's drama portfolio, hence the decision not to commission beyond the fourth series," ITV said.


READ MORE HERE:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25000090

Rupert Penry-Jones hates stripping off for TV roles. (THE LIST)

Rupert Penry-Jones hates stripping off for TV roles, and would rather portray an interesting character than a sex symbol.

The 'Whitechapel' star - who has disrobed for many of his productions including 'Charlotte Gray' and 'Spooks' - doesn't want to rely on his looks forever and is more concerned with playing interesting characters than sex symbols. 

He said: "I'm not about to turn down roles because they involve nudity. But, given the choice, I'd rather keep my clothes on. "You want to be doing something because you're a good actor, rather than because you look a certain way. You only get such parts for a while anyway, and I'll get less and less as I get older and my belly gets bigger."


READ MORE:  http://www.list.co.uk/article/41106-rupert-penry-jones-dislikes-stripping-on-tv/