A HIT ITV crime drama has been axed after four series – following a ratings plummet.
The show launched on ITV in 2020 and soon became a fan favourite series.
McDonald and Dodds starred Tala Gouveia and Jason Watkins in the title roles.
The premise paired two mismatched Detectives in Bath, where the show was filmed.
An ITV spokesperson told Radio Times that ratings for the final series hadn’t met the threshold for a recommission.
At the end of series four, McDonald had seemingly accepted her partner’s marriage proposal – but fans won’t see what happens next.
Upon hearing the news, viewers took to social media to share their reactions.
One wrote on X: “That’s a shame. I really enjoyed it – and the locations in and around Bath were lovely.”
Another added: “Cancelled? Good grief. A first rate pair of actors, playful scripts and a great location. I despair at times, I really do.”
A third penned: “Real shame! Enjoyed this and good shows never last these days!”
While a fourth remarked: “Bitterly disappointed as this was a fabulous series.”
Jason, 62, previously won a Bafta for his lead role in two-part drama The Lost Honour of Christopher Jeffries.
As for Tala, 35, she had small parts in EastEnders and Cold Feet before landing her lead role as McDonald.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”McDonald and Dodds trailer ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6358184637112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]She is soon jumping to another detective show, having been announced as a guest star for the upcoming series of Death in Paradise.
Further cast members included Claire Skinner, Charlie Chambers and Bhavik C Pankhania – in addition to guest actors throughout the run.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D103227%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]The decision follows fellow ITV crime drama Vera recently concluding its run.
Starring Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope, the much-loved show ended after on January 2, after 14 years on air.
McDonald and Dodds is available to watch on ITVX.