The WWII 'masterpiece' ITV axed despite 50,000 fans begging them to save It

A star-studded World War II drama series based on a best-selling book was axed by ITV,and even a Change.org petition with 50,000 signatures couldn't save it. Home Fires ran on the broadcaster for two series in 2015 and 2016. The period drama followed the lives of the ladies of Great Paxford Women's Institute on the Home Front during the Second World War and their efforts to bring together their community. Series one began in 1939 while series two dealt with 1940.

The cast featured some of the most acclaimed actors in the country including Francesca Annis, Samantha Bond and Claire Rushbrook and viewing figures were impressive for both series. The season two finale ended on a cliffhanger with a dramatic crash which saw a fighter plane nosedive into the roof of one of the village homes, with the fate of its inhabitants left up in the air.

It was believed a third series would be imminent; however, immediately after the broadcast of the finale, cast member Daniel Ryan informed his Twitter followers that the series would not be returning.

This was then confirmed by ITV. A spokesman for the broadcaster said: "We are incredibly proud of what Home Fires has achieved, but the ITV commissioning team continues to refresh the channel's drama portfolio, hence the decision not to commission a further new series."

Devastated fans organised a petition that generated 50,000 signatures but to no avail. However, the writer continued the story as a novelisation so fans could find out what happened to their favourite characters.

Almost a decade after it went off air, Homefires still holds a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating and has glowing reviews from fans on Google-although some took umbrage at the abrupt ending.

"I loved loved loved this series. I am so so disappointed that it ended with so many loose ends. To me, it was on a par with Heartbeat, Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey. It was a way to see what ordinary people went through during the war and to follow the lives of the people in the village. What were ITV thinking in not making a series 3 of this brilliant programme? Shame on you!!" one fan fumed.

"This is a beautiful show. Wonderfully acted, loveable characters, and captivating content without needless drama. How this show was cancelled and Downton Abbey went on for so long, I'll never know. A true injustice," another penned. A third chimed in: "An amazing Series! My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't believe they cancelled it! Why?!?! For the love of all things holy, please continue the series!"

"Really good series. Enjoying it for the 1st time. It shows real life during WWII. It takes you through a range of emotions in each episode. Fabulous acting, the characters portrayed are absolutely believable. Shame that only two series were made," a fourth lamented.

Meanwhile, a fifth shared: "I loved Home Fires, it is now one of my favourite Dramas of all time. I first saw Home Fires advertised on ITV3, showing repeats. I'd never watched it when it was originally on ITV back in 2015. I tuned in to watch it every week on ITV3 until the last ever Episode. I was very shocked and surprised at why the writers ended the show like that."