BBC axes chart-topping drama with rave reviews as show boss pens emotional tribute to fans
THE BBC has axed a chart-topping drama after just one series - with the show's boss paying tribute to fans in a statement.
Champion launched last year on the Beeb to rave reviews from fans with a strong diverse cast.
The show told the explosive story about what happens when fame and family collide.
Deja Bowens made her TV debut in the music series, alongside Malcolm Kamulete (Top Boy, Ill Manors) and music artist Ray BLK (also making her TV debut).
Champion was the first TV project for Candice Carty-Williams, author of The Sunday Times bestselling novel Queenie.
However, the show has come to an abrupt end after just one series, leaving fans devastated.
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In an emotional statement confirming its axe, Candice announced: "The good news is, Champion was watched by — now I’ve seen the numbers — millions of you, was in the top 10 in so many majority Black countries, was the number one Netflix show in Jamaica, Guadeloupe and Martinique(!), and was given majority 5 stars across the board...
"Champion was for us and by us, and it was a success! It reached so many of us at home and around the world. Thank you to BBC and Netflix for making that happen...
"The SAD news is that Champion won’t be coming back. I am grateful to each and every one of you who watched the show, posted about it, listened to the soundtrack, shouted at me in the street because the soundtrack wasn’t available outside of the UK (we’re working on it), DMd about their favourite characters; yes to #JusticeForLennox and I know, Beres is wicked, songs, moments, and threatened me for a season 2..."
She concluded: "A big eternal and endless thank you to the cast and the crew for bringing this story and these characters to life.
"I hadn’t planned to write or showrun a second season because there’s other things that need doing but I wanted to leave you with something cause I believe in closing certain chapters properly."
Champion aired last year on BBC One but during its run fell victim to a schedule shake-up.
It was shifted from its regular 9:15pm timeslot to make way for rolling coverage of Wimbledon.
