UPSTART CROW AXED BY BBC TWO AFTER THREE SERIES

Upstart Crow, the comedy series starring David Mitchell and written by Ben Elton, will not be returning to BBC Two for further episodes.

David Mitchell told ITV's Lorraine that he would 'love' to make more episodes. He added: "But at the moment we lack a broadcast partner. At the moment, no-one's saying they'll pay to make it so we can make some more. I'm not pointing the finger at the BBC, there are other broadcasters."

It’s 1592 and Will Shakespeare is just at the beginning of his extraordinary career. The series will focus on both Will’s family and professional life and include the surprising stories of where many of his ideas came from.

Also featured are his wife Anne and his extended family, his servant Bottom, his friends Kate and Marlowe, his theatrical troupe, and his rival Robert Greene.

In the series, Will finds inspiration for Romeo from an unlikely source; mislays a nearly treasonous masterpiece; gets tricked into a very embarrassing pair of tights; has a spot of bother with the wife over some sonnets; meets three witches who predict great things for him; and borrows some money on some rather unusual conditions.

Further cast included Harry Enfield (Harry & Paul) as Will’s dad, John Shakespeare; Paula Wilcox (Emmerdale) as Will’s mum; Liza Tarbuck (Linda Green, Mount Pleasant) as Anne Hathaway; Helen Monks (Raised by Wolves) as Will’s daughter Susannah; Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones) as Kate.

Plus Mark Heap (Spaced, Friday Night Dinner) as Sir Robert Greene, Will’s nemesis; Steve Speirs (Big School) as Burbage; Tim Downie (Paddington, Toast of London) as Marlowe; Dominic Coleman (Peaky Blinders, Trollied) as Kempleton.

Also Spencer Jones (Big Babies) as a member of Burbage’s company; and Rob Rouse (Grownups) as Bottom. Further cast details will be announced at a later date.

A BBC spokesperson told British Comedy Guide had not recommissioned Upstart Crow, but declined to comment further.

Upstart Crow is available on BBC iPlayer.