Channel 4 axes award-winning gritty drama after just one series despite good ratings

Channel 4 has axed a gritty drama after just one series despite it getting good reviews and winning a string of awards. The Gathering, which aired ealier this year and starred Luther actor Warren Brown, followed the story of a teenager who was violently attacked at an illegal beach rave.

The attack sends shockwaves through a Merseyside community as friends and family try to seek out the truth by unveiling people's deepest secrets and lies.

Ten pounds Poms and Trigger Point star Brown played Paul, who was facing jail after a vicious bust-up in a park. He took home the Best Actor award at the Monte Carlo Television Festival in June for his performance.

Eva Morgan, who played Paul's gymnast daughter, won Best Actress while the show itself picked up Best Series.

The Gathering also featured Sherlock star Vinette Robinson, as Natalie, a woman dubbed the 'mother from hell', with her daughter, Jessica, played by Sadie Soverall, a talented teen gymnast.

It also garnered some good reviews from critics with The Telegraph describing it as a "pulsating drama (which) will give parents of teenagers the fear". While The London Evening Standard called it a "Skins with smartphones story (which) packs a punch".

The Gathering's executive producer Simon Heath told The Sun: "The series performed very well for but there are new people in charge and new priorities, meaning The Gathering won't be coming back."

However, it wasn't a hit with all viewers as others were left sickened by the abusive scenes. They rushed to X, formerly , to share their thoughts, with many commenting on the toxic relationship between the overbearing mother who was furious when her daughter was not picked for a gymnastics team.

One penned: "Vile woman. I think that it's definitely abuse. Pushy parents are a nightmare - somehow mothers are always worse than fathers though. Dance Moms is crazy - it's literally nothing to do with the kids - it's the obsessed mothers! #TheGathering #DanceMoms"

Another said: "Just watched Ruby Franke What a vile mother, Very harrowing,hope the kids recover from it, will be a long process,May be able to re-unite with Dad." And: "That mum sent that Video she's absolutely vile! #TheGathering"

A fourth commented: "Ok I won’t get the last 45 minutes back but I don’t need to waste any more of my life. I’m out. #TheGathering."

And a fifth added: "It's pretty dire so far. I doubt that I'll bother watching the next episode #TheGathering."