ITV giveth and taketh away. The UK broadcaster has revealed that the previously-announced fourth season of The Durrells will now also be its last, belatedly joining the list of TV shows cancelled.
While there will still one season to air before The Durrells enters the graveyard, the post-renewal final season announcement means the show is marked cancelled, much to the reaper’s delight.
The fourth (and now final) season of The Durrells will air in 2019.
Press announcement:
The Durrells return to Corfu for 4th & Final Season
ITV returns to the blue skies of Corfu for more animal antics next month as filming begins on what has been confirmed to be the final series of much-loved drama, The Durrells.
Produced by successful drama indie, Sid Gentle Films Ltd. in a co-production with Masterpiece, the new series will see acclaimed actress Keeley Hawes (The Missing, Bodyguard) reprise her role as matriarch, Louisa Durrell, for a final set of sun-soaked episodes.
She will once again be joined by young acting talents Josh O’Connor (Les Miserables), Callum Woodhouse (Cold Feet), Daisy Waterstone (And Then There Were None) and Milo Parker (Mr Holmes) who play her unruly and spirited on-screen children in the ITV drama.
Other cast set to return include Alexis Georgoulis (My Life In Ruins) as the charming Spiros, Miles Jupp (Howards End) as hapless cousin Basil, Anna Savva (Genius) as housekeeper Lugaretzia, Yorgos Karamihos (Love Is…) as Dr. Theo Stephanides and Lucy Black (Jericho) as Florence Petridis.
Based on conservationist and author Gerald Durrell’s trilogy of books about his family’s time in Corfu during the 1930s, the fourth series will once again be written by BAFTA award nominee Simon Nye (Men Behaving Badly, Reggie Perrin) and filmed on the beautiful Greek island.
Following the events of the last series, the future is looking bright for the Durrells, with all of the family channelling their heartbreak in different ways. Choosing to keep herself busy, Louisa has opened the doors of the family villa as a guest house, but with Basil as their only paying guest, the business is still to find its feet and customers.
Meanwhile, Larry (Josh O’Connor), struggling to get his risqué Black Book published, is enjoying the love of two ballet dancers, whilst heartbroken Leslie (Callum Woodhouse) has thrown himself back into his job and shooting. True to form, Gerry (Milo Parker) continues to collect animals, ambitiously planning to open a zoo with a new owl and some lemurs joining the menagerie, and Margo (Daisy Waterstone) seeks a new challenge, starting her own beauty salon.
Reflecting on this being the final series of the acclaimed drama, Executive Producer Sally Woodward Gentle says: “We’re going back to Corfu for one last firefly fuelled adventure of love and mishap. 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…”
Actor and Executive Producer, Keeley Hawes added: “I’m delighted to be heading back to Corfu for a final series of The Durrells. It’s been such a wonderful series to work on and I’m so pleased that viewers have taken the family to their hearts as much as we have. I have no doubt that the brilliant Simon Nye will give the family a fitting and fabulous farewell.”
ITV’s Senior Drama Commissioner, Victoria Fea, also commented: “We are going to Corfu for one final sojourn with the Durrells – where they will entertain us with more emotional highs and lows, family spats, mishaps and romantic tribulations. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to have them on ITV, and this valedictory series promises to be the best yet.”
Described as “pitch-perfect period escapism” by The Guardian and “a warm-hearted creation with a steely core and mischievous twinkle” by The Times, The Durrells has received critical acclaim and proven hugely popular since its launch in 2016.
The fourth series of The Durrells will be executive produced by Sid Gentle Films Ltd.’s CEO Sally Woodward Gentle (Killing Eve) and Managing Director Lee Morris (SS-GB), together with Keeley Hawes and Simon Nye. Roger Goldby (Call The Midwife) directs and Steve Barron (Treasure Island), who directed the first episode of season one will return to direct the series finale. Christopher Hall returns as producer.
RIP.
A lot of great shows tire and interest in the characters and story fade. OK, there’s a final fourth series however the story and characters continue to evolve. I think it could have easily handled another couple of series without losing its interest and audience. It will be missed after the final season.
True as it’s based on their real life story and what happens after corfu and thr war etc
NO NO NO, One of the Greatest Family shows ever, Now they get rid of a real hit. Shame
So very disappointed. This series sparkles with humor and a good family situation. I love this series. I hate to see it cancelled after the 4th season. Thank God we have one more season to watch. But I could have watched this show for many seasons to come.
I would have never tired of this show. It has wit and charm.
Oh no so sad I looked forward to it every week. Network is so wrong
So sad ???? absolutely love this show
Very disappointed to hear this excellent series will be coming to an end.