The popular ITV series starred Jason Watkins (Nativity, SAS Rogue Heroes, The Crown) as DS Dodds and Tala Gouveia (EastEnders, Click & Collect) as DCI Lauren McDonald.
The likes of Claire Skinner (Bridget Jones Diary, Doctor Who), Charlie Jones (EastEnders) and Jack Riddiford (Murder on the Orient Express, Dunkirk) also featured in the series along with a host of guest stars.
Season four of McDonald & Dodds aired on ITV mid-way through last year and fans have eagerly awaited a new series ever since.
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ITV cancels McDonald & Dodds
However, ITV has now revealed McDonald & Dodds has been cancelled.
Speaking to Radio Times, an ITV spokesperson confirmed the cancellation and said the decision came “after ratings for the final series didn’t meet the threshold for a recommission”.
#McDonaldAndDodds cancelled after 4 seasons on ITVhttps://t.co/KRtjYjTodE pic.twitter.com/liGfAjtFMt
— Radio Times (@RadioTimes) January 16, 2025
News of the shows axing has “upset” fans, with many taking to social media to vent their frustration.
One person, posting on X (formerly Twitter), said: “ITV has apparently axed detective drama McDonald And Dodds which starred Tala Gouveia and Jason Watkins.
“What a shame; I really liked their interplay and the lovely shots of Bath.”
I’m so upset ITV have cancelled McDonald & Dodds
There’s so much garbage clogging up terrestrial TV and a really good detective series with a fantastic odd couple gets canned for declining ratings on an ad-dependent channel. Sigh.
— Danielle Blake (@abradacabla) January 16, 2025
While another fan added: “I’m so upset ITV have cancelled McDonald & Dodds.
“There’s so much garbage clogging up terrestrial TV and a really good detective series with a fantastic odd couple gets canned for declining ratings on an ad-dependent channel. Sigh.”
Is this why Mcdonald and Dodds has been cancelled?
— Susan Wright 📚 (@SusanWr38555367) January 16, 2025
Tala Gouveia lands new role on Death in Paradise
The BBC recently confirmed Death in Paradise would return to TV screens across the UK for a 14th series on January 31, 2025.
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New Detective Inspector (DI) Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet), who made his Death in Paradise debut during the 2024 Christmas Special, will star in series 14 having taken over from DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little).
He will be joined throughout the series by a host of special guests including Gouveia, Patricia Allison (Sex Education) and David Mumeni (Bridgerton).
Tobi Bakare (Sergeant JP Hooper) is also set to make his Death in Paradise return during series 14 having departed the show back in 2021 after seven seasons.