Jekyll & Hyde dropped by ITV after just one series

Creator Charlie Higson had been preparing new episodes but the first run received hundreds of complaints

Inner monster: Tom Bateman as Robert Jekyll, grandson of Stevenson's Dr Jekyll, in the TV series 'Jekyll and Hyde' by Charlie Higson (ITV)

Jekyll & Hyde has been axed by ITV after only one series after hundreds of viewers complained about high levels of violence before the watershed.

Charlie Higson’s drama controversially aired in the 6.30pm slot, attracting an average of 2.6 million viewers each episode by the end of its first run.

Jekyll & Hyde concluded on 27 December after its final three episodes aired in a single week due to ITV’s rescheduling.

Higson confirmed the news on Tuesday evening, writing on his Twitter that it was a “sad day” but a “grand adventure while it lasted”. He added that he had been writing for a second series but will not be “moving onto other things”.

Jekyll & Hyde, starring Tom Bateman, Natalie Gumede and Richard E Grant drew more than 800 complaints about “unsuitable” bloody scenes when it began broadcasting last October. One episode featuring a gun fight was cancelled following the Paris terror attacks.

Ofcom is investigating the complaints and a ruling is reportedly expected early this year.