Channel 5 axes beloved show despite hit ratings as fans outraged

has unexpectedly cancelled its Mediterranean drama The Wives, featuring Tamzin Outhwaite, Jo Joyner and Angela Griffin, despite its popularity and an unresolved final episode.

The abrupt ending left many viewers frustrated with the plot lines, which will now remain unanswered. The cast was informed about the surprising decision through phone calls last week.

An insider disclosed: "It came as a shock because the ratings were around a million and scripts had already been written for more episodes, in confident anticipation of series two."

Interestingly, the source revealed that an alternate ending, which neatly wrapped up the storylines, had already been filmed. However, Channel 5 chose to air a different version leaving some major plotline questions unanswered.

It was assumed that this was done to keep the audience engaged for the return of the drama, reports .

"One of the endings the regular cast shot explained exactly what had happened to the missing sister-in-law Annabelle and the part played in her disappearance by the other sisters-in-law, played by Jo Joyner, Angela Griffin and Tamzin Outhwaite," the insider shared. "It also explained the involvement of Annabelle's brother-in-law Frankie, played by Ghosts star Ben Willbond."

"However, the ending that was actually shown didn't explain why Frankie wanted Annabelle dead or the identity of the mystery figure hiding in the van in the final scene, something that was crucial to an understanding of the entire plot."

Viewers were left scratching their heads after the finale of The Wives, filmed on the picturesque island of Malta, aired in September. Frustrated fans took to social media to air their grievances, with one viewer exclaiming: "Who was in the black van? When/how did they get the gambling chips back? Why did he want her dead? And why oh why can't a series actually end?"

Another echoed the sentiment, seeking clarification: "Can somebody please explain what the hell that ending was all about? I'm totally confused."

Some theorised the unresolved finale hinted at another series in the making due to its "frustrating" loose ends.

Sebastican Cardwell, C5's deputy chief content officer, had boasted last November that "The Wives is set to bring layers of mystery and intrigue which is guaranteed to keep the Channel 5 audience guessing."

Starring three sisters-in-law each besieged by their own tribulations, they are united by the loss of Annabelle (Christine Bottomley), the fourth member of their family circle.

In a dramatic twist, it transpires Annabelle hadn't perished but staged her own demise, and the narrative weaved through a web of deceit as it unravelled the truth behind who truly conspired to 'off' Annabelle.