'Indian Summers' has been axed.

Julie Walters

Julie Walters

The Channel 4 period drama, which stars Julie Walters and Henry Lloyd-Hughes, has been dropped by the network after just two series in order to make room for other shows.

The channel said in a statement: "We're incredibly proud of 'Indian Summers' and have loved having it in the schedule. But with a number of new drama launches already confirmed for 2017, we have decided not to commission a third series."

The programme, which airs on screen on Sunday nights, focuses on a group of socialites at the time of the British Raj.

The network's brutal decision comes just a month after it also decided to pull the plug on the game show 'The Million Pound Drop,' hosted by Davina McCall, to save on cash.

A source said at the time: "Bosses have decided to put their money into other shows and there are no plans currently to bring back 'The Million Pound Drop'."

However, despite the broadcaster's determination to save cash for other ventures, the popular programme, which ran for 11 series and saw contestants play for the £1 million jackpot, hasn't been given the cold shoulder permanently and may be given the chance to return for another series in the future.