BBC kills off Robin Hood series

The BBC's adaptation of Robin Hood will not return for a fourth series, it has been confirmed.

The BBC One show, which starred Jonas Armstrong in the lead role, saw its ratings decline to around four million.

The legendary outlaw was killed off in Saturday's finale, which was moved to BBC Two to make way for a tennis match featuring Andy Murray.

A BBC spokesman said: "With the death of Robin, we feel that the show has reached its natural conclusion."

Showdown

Armstrong announced his intention to quit the show before the 13-part third series was screened, saying: "It's been a great thrill, a great ride, but you can't play one part forever."

Producers of the drama, which was filmed on location in Hungary, kept the nature of Robin's departure a closely-guarded secret.

The hero met his end in a showdown with arch-villains, the Sheriff of Nottingham - played by Keith Allen - and Guy of Gisbourne (Richard Armitage).

He was murdered by a poison-tipped sword, after killing his nemesis the Sheriff.

The finale's sudden move to BBC Two resulted in a peak audience of 2.2 million.

The first episode of the opening series, in 2006, attracted a Saturday teatime audience of 8.6 million.

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