Demons faces the axe after Glenister quits

ITV's Demons looks set to be axed after its star Philip Glenister has reportedly refused to return for a second series.

The big budget drama drew in six million viewers when it was launched last month but despite a number of celebrity guest stars audiences have since slumped to three million.

According to reports in The Sun, Phillip has ruled out returning for a second season of the Saturday night sci-fi series due to other work commitments.

A TV source said: "ITV spent millions on Demons - but things have not worked out. Philip made it clear he would not come back. He's busy filming, with a second series of Ashes to Ashes and has other shows in the pipeline.

The actor, best known for playing tough-talking DCI Gene Hunt in Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, was not well received by the critics for his portrayal of vampire hunter Rupert Galvin.

Philip revealed that was initially reluctant to take up the part, which needed him to talk in an American accent.

Phillip said: "Rupert was written as a Texan originally and I thought b******s to that - I'm not playing a Texan."

The news comes as ITV, Channel 4 and Five are discussing proposals to merge into one superchannel to rival the scope of the BBC.

"It's a shame, but it's a tough time for TV," added the source. "There is just not the money to spend on big projects and then continue if they're not immediately a success."

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