Motherland fans gutted as star confirms popular BBC show has been axed

‘What the heck are you doing cancelling one of the best shows ever!’ one fan complained

Motherland, the popular BBC comedy series, has been axed according to one of its main characters.

Diane Morgan, who plays sarcastic single mum Liz on the programme, has claimed that the series will not be returning in an interview with The Times.

The comedy explores the challenges of middle-class motherhood and stars Bleak House actor Anna Maxwell Martin, Ella Enchanted’s Lucy Punch, and Bodyguard star Paul Ready.

Released in 2017, the show continued for three seasons before it inexplicably had its last release in 2021. It returned for a BBC Christmas special in 2022, but now one of its lead characters has said it is in fact over for good.

“I hate to say it, because I still get women running up to me with prams in the street asking me when it’s coming back,” she said, as she confirmed the show will not be returning for a fourth season.

The BBC declined The Independent’s request for comment.

BBC series ‘Motherland’ will not return for a fourth season (BBC/Delightful Industries/Merman/Colin Hutton)

However, the Cunk On Earth star also appeared to confirm rumours about a spin-off led by Lucy Punch’s alpha female character, Amanda.

“Yes. It’ll live on through her. The ladies with the prams will be pleased, hopefully,” she said. But Morgan will personally not be returning to the programme.

Fans were upset as the news spread saying, “So gutted. Best show on TV. Bring back Motherland!”

One upset viewer addressed the BBC directly in a tweet on X/Twitter: “Hey, BBC!” she began. “What the heck are you doing cancelling Motherland one of the best shows ever! I can’t believe it! Please reconsider!”

Others objected to the silent axing, demanding the show be given a better send off if it were in fact to end.

“BBC, please please bring Motherland back for a planned final season or special. One of the best series on TV needs a better send off,” reasoned one fan.

Another took the opportunity to hit out at another show, which has enjoyed a lengthy run: “Can’t believe the BBC cancelled Motherland. A genuinely good show, but they’ll keep producing Mrs Brown’s Boys.”

Meanwhile the Bolton actor has come back for the third series of her BBC show Mandy, a programme she has written, directed and starred in. Mandy was released on BBC Two on Wednesday (27 March) and all episodes are available on iPlayer.