Axing reports untrue

Reports that ITV dramas Heartbeat and its spin-off show The Royal are being axed are untrue, an ITV spokesman has confirmed.

In fact a large number of episodes of both shows have been planned for the future.

The spokesperson said: "Heartbeat and The Royal are an important part of the ITV schedule and are currently in production.

"Production will take a rest after this year's filming finishes, but a large number of episodes have already been stockpiled."