'Being Human' back for series 4; 'Outcasts' gets cast out

There are no surprises here. If you were crazy enough to consider the BBC may axe Being Human, you were proven wrong today with confirmation an eight-part fourth series has been commissioned for transmission in 2012 (most likely January.) The third series finale attracted 1.05m viewers for BBC3 on Sunday evening.

Harry Lansdown, (Acting) BBC Three Controller:

"Being Human's brilliant mixture of fantasy and everyday life continues to provide must-see, ground-breaking drama for BBC Three, and I'm delighted to announce a fourth series for 2012."

Toby Whithouse, creator/writer:

"We were overwhelmed by the response to series three, and so we're absolutely thrilled that the BBC have given us this opportunity to continue our show into a fourth year.

"We've got another intense and epic story lined up for you, with some new faces and old, and even more horror and mayhem and mugs of tea. I can't wait to get started."

In a similarly predictable but far less positive light, the BBC have decided to axe their troubled sci-fi drama Outcasts. The eight-part series struggled in the ratings from the start, which led to it being moved to Sunday night from its primetime Monday slot. The last episode attracted 1.5m viewers last night, down from the premiere's already disappointing 4.8m. My post-mortem interview with Outcasts' creator Ben Richards can be read here.