Ian McKellen’s ITV Comedy Vicious Axed

[Photo: ITV]

Not even two knighted stars and Game of Thrones’ Ramsay Bolton can save ITV’s Vicious from being axed.

The comedy about an older gay couple, starring Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Derek Jacobi, will bow out next year with a one-off special.

The series - which has aired two series on ITV - was berated by critics upon its launch in 2013.

[Photo: ITV]

Viewing figures also fell significantly with just two million viewers watching Freddie and Stuart tie the knot in the series two finale. That is a steep decline from the 5.78 million viewers who watched the very first episode in April 2013.

As well as Ian and Derek, Vicious boasted a stellar cast including Game of Thrones and Misfits star Iwan Rheon as the couple’s neighbour Ash, and Frances de la Tour as their man-eating pal Violet.

An ITV spokesperson told The Sun, “It’s been an absolute delight to see Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi and Frances de la Tour bring alive these wonderful characters on screen for ITV viewers.

“We’re over the moon all the cast are returning for one final special.”

The final episode of Vicious airs next year.