Cast of Channel 5 drama left fuming as show axed after just one series

Channel 5 has decided to cancel its Mediterranean drama The Wives.

The show, ffeaturing Tamzin Outhwaite, Jo Joyner and Angela Griffin, has been axed after just one series despite its favourable ratings and an unresolved final episode.

The decision has left many viewers frustrated due to the unresolved storylines, with no chance of getting answers. The cast was informed about the surprising decision through phone calls last week.

An insider shared: "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 ending had already been filmed which neatly wrapped up the storylines. However, Channel 5 chose to air a different version leaving some major plotline questions unanswered. It was assumed this was done to keep the audience engaged for a potential return of the drama, reports the Mirror.

"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 said, "It also explained the involvement of Annabelle's brother-in-law Frankie, played by Ghosts star Ben Willbond.

"But 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 final episode, which was shot on location in Malta, aired last September. On social media, a viewer expressed confusion: "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 added: "Can somebody please explain what the hell that ending was all about? I'm totally confused."

Some viewers speculated that the "frustrating" conclusion hinted at a future series, lamenting the numerous unresolved storylines.

The dramatic narrative centred around three sisters-in-law, each grappling with their own issues, stunned by the alleged death of a fourth family member, Annabelle (played by Christine Bottomley).

As the series finale unfolded, it turned out that Annabelle hadn't died but had orchestrated her disappearance, leading to multiple shocking revelations about who truly intended to eliminate Annabelle.