The latest star-studded ITV drama has been canceled after just one season’s release.
The Ipcress File, based on the famous 1962 novel by Len Deighton, starring Joe Cole, Lucy Boynton and Tom Hollander of Peaky Blinders, aired late last year.
And although the network was looking to commission a second series, according to TVZone, the cast’s busy schedules forced producers to pull the plug.
The Cold War spy thriller follows Harry Palmer (played by Cole), a working-class British sergeant who, after a series of shady deals, becomes a spy to avoid military prison.
A spokesman for the network said: “Unfortunately, we were unable to release a second season of The Ipcress File.”
Gutted: ITV’s latest star-studded drama has been canceled after just one season after it was revealed
Sir Michael Caine played Palmer in the original 1965 film, which catapulted his career to a new level.
The spy film and its subsequent sequels were a deliberately depressing alternative to the hugely successful James Bond films of the time.
Contrasting with Bond’s privileged private schooling, Palmer lives and works in “gloomy” London, where he resides in a family home in Notting Hill.
Deighton wrote several Harry Palmer thrillers – although the spy was never named in the books – and gave producers scope for more series.
It comes amid reports that fellow ITV fellow This Morning could come under pressure if show bosses are revealed to have ‘covered up’ Phillip Schofield’s affair with a younger male colleague.
The 61-year-old presenter left ITV with immediate effect after admitting to cheating on wife Stephanie with the man, while also admitting to misleading his ITV staff and colleagues about his affair.
Phillip has now resigned from ITV and will not be hosting his last remaining TV date, the British Soap Awards, and has been canceled by his agents at YMU.
And while Phillip’s 40-year career is in tatters, it is now said that This Morning is also facing a crisis as the program’s executive bosses come under pressure to reveal what they knew about Phil’s affair with the young runner.
Not anymore: ‘The Ipcress File’, based on the famous novel by Len Deighton, starring Peaky Blinders’ Joe Cole (pictured), Lucy Boynton and Tom Hollander, aired late last year
Drama: Although the network wanted to commission a second season, it was reported that the producers were forced to pull the plug due to the cast’s busy schedules. (L-R) Lucy Boynton, Joe Cole, Tom Hollander
Original: Palmer was played by Sir Michael Caine in the original 1965 film, which catapulted his career to a new level (pictured)
The Sun reports that the jobs of the ITV show’s top bosses could be in jeopardy and that “very senior bosses could roll” if they were found to be keeping the presenter’s secret.
A source told the publication, “This goes all the way up.” Very senior heads could roll. If there is evidence of a cover-up, they could be guilty.
“It’s also possible This Morning gets the axe.”
An ITV spokesman told Web: “Following our statement last night, ITV can confirm that ITV investigated when rumors of a relationship between Phillip Schofield and an ITV employee first began to circulate in early 2021.
“Both parties were questioned and repeatedly categorically denied the rumours, as did Phillip’s then-agency YMU.”
Difficult times: It comes amid reports This Morning could face the ax if show bosses are revealed to have ‘covered up’ Phillip Schofield’s affair with a younger, male ITV colleague
“In addition, ITV has spoken to a number of people who worked on This Morning and no evidence of a relationship has been found beyond hearsay and rumours, nor has been found any evidence of a relationship.”
“Phillip’s statement yesterday reveals he has lied to people at ITV, from senior management to other presenters, the YMU, the media and others, about this relationship.”
They added: ‘As we put on record today, This Morning is not under review and there are no plans to cancel the show.’ This Morning will return on Monday.’