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Cast and crew have been left devastated by Heartbeat news - VIDEO
THE cast and crew of ITV's Heartbeat were left devastated after a meeting in Whitby with the channel's bosses who told them filming of the show will stop in May.
Around 50 crew members and stars of the long-running Goathland-set drama, including Derek Fowlds, Joe McFadden, Bill Simons, Rupert Ward-Lewis and Steven Blakely, were among those who met at Whitby Pavilion on Wednesday.
They quizzed ITV's chief operating officer John Cresswell, who travelled up in a chauffeur-driven Mercedes from London along with controller of drama for ITV subsidiary, Yorkshire Television, Keith Richardson, about the show's future.
Mr Cresswell told the Whitby Gazette the meeting was private and confirmed ITV is "standing down the production of the show" but would not say if or when it will be back.
Before the meeting, Brian Taylor of Goathland Post Office, who started a petition to save the show from the chop, handed Mr Cresswell a letter on behalf of the 15,000 people who have signed it so far.
He was flanked by Mark Witherington and his wife Tracy of the Grapevine Cafe in Grape Lane, who started a spin-off petition, and other business owners in Goathland.
They have vowed to continue to fight for the show.
After the hour-and-a-quarter long question and answer session, staff left grim faced with some in tears. One crew member proclaimed out loud: "there's no hope."
Actor Steven Blakely, who plays PC Younger, said: "ITV will screen nine episodes this April and will show another nine in 2010.
"I think we can say the questions that have been asked of the executives have been answered to the best of their ability.
"We're no further on in terms of knowing what the future will hold.
"One point that has been made by executives from ITV is it's a business like any other and has a responsibility to its shareholders.
"It's a money-making business and all these factors have been considered.
"Obviously that doesn't make the situation any better.
"We stop filming in May and the cast will then be released.
"I'm more upset for the crew, many of whom have dedicated their whole working lives to the show.
"The general feeling is there is still life in Heartbeat yet and I hope it will continue.
"It will be a great loss to the area."
And stalwart actor Bill Simons who plays Alf Ventress added: "I heard even Michael Grade's aunt has signed the petiton and I know lots of the cast and crew have.
"I have done lots of other television work and I suppose I should really be retired now but after spending 17-and-a-half years on one show, well it's the best part of a third of my working life.
"I feel very sad for Heartbeat. My time on the show has been amazing."
Mr Cresswell declined to comment after the meeting.
On Wednesday Heartbeat were filming in Whitby including on the West Cliff and Grape Lane.
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Weather for Whitby
Saturday 04 February 2012
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