Ugly Betty gets the axe

Based on a Colombian telenovela, the warmhearted dramedy stars America Ferrera as an ambitious but style-challenged young woman out to build a future at a New York fashion magazine. (Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)

It's ugly news for all the fans of Ugly Betty. ABC says the series will be cancelled after this season.

A critical and popular success with its premiere in 2006, Ugly Betty has struggled in recent years with audience erosion.

Based on a Colombian telenovela, the warmhearted dramedy stars America Ferrera as an ambitious but style-challenged young woman out to build a future at a New York fashion magazine.

ABC is promising that the series will conclude its run in a fashion that will satisfy its fans. ABC says eight episodes are left.

The series has been saluted with Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody awards, among others.