There's been a murder and the victim is thought to be… Taggart

SCOTLAND's drama production community will be dealt a shattering blow if Taggart, the long-running police drama, is axed by ITV as is now feared, according to the head of Scottish Screen.

Ken Hay, the chief executive of the government's film quango, yesterday said he was "deeply concerned" about the fate of the STV show, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.

There are fears that talent such as directors, cameramen, lighting technicians and make-up artists may be forced to move south in search of work as the drama pool shrinks.

ITV this week announced it was cutting back on drama, slashing its production budget by £65 million and cancelling shows such as Wire in the Blood and A Touch of Frost.

STV insists no decision has yet been made about whether the Glasgow show will be recommissioned, but industry insiders insist ITV's previous commission for ten episodes, worth an estimated £6 million, in 2007 is likely to be the last.

Yesterday Mr Hay said: "It would indicate a serious failing on ITV's part if Taggart was pulled with no credible replacement in place, and from STV's perspective, it would be a major issue as well as it tries to balance its broadcasting and production ambitions."

"It has been one of the mainstays of the production sector, but it has also been a tremendous training ground for key people, writers, directors and actors who have come through with Taggart – it still underpins the theatre, TV and film sectors. I would be deeply concerned."

Actors such as Ken Stott, Dougray Scott and Robert Carlyle all started their careers with small roles in Taggart, which began in 1983 and has gone on to be shown in more than 100 lands.

Dave Tarvit, a first assistant director on the show, said: "The cost of losing Taggart should not be underestimated. Ongoing drama series provide a little stability to freelancers and support services in what is a notoriously unpredictable industry."

STV yesterday insisted that there were still seven episodes of Taggart to be broadcast and it would not expect to be recommissioned until after they had been screened. A spokeswoman said the show was also enjoying a high audience share and five million viewers.

However, Wire in the Blood attracted six million viewers and has been cancelled.

ITV also now wants 75 per cent of drama production to be in-house and the remaining 25 per cent from independent production firms. STV fits into neither category.