ITV has axed Home Fires after just two seasons.

Inspired by the book Jambusters by Julie Summers, the World War II drama launched on ITV in May 2015 and ran for 12 episodes, ending on a cliffhanger last weekend.

Home Fires followed a group of inspirational women at the heart of a rural Cheshire community who steadfastly bring the village together during our nation’s darkest hour.

> Buy Season 1 on DVD on Amazon.

> Buy Season 2 on DVD on Amazon.

An ITV spokesman confirmed the news yesterday, commenting: “We are incredibly proud of what Home Fires has achieved, but the ITV commissioning team continues to refresh the channel’s drama portfolio, hence the decision not to commission a further new series.”

The show’s cast included Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey), Francesca Annis (Cranford), Ruth Gemmell (Penny Dreadful), Claire Rushbrook (Whitechapel), Ed Stoppard (Cilla), Chris Coghill (EastEnders), Clare Calbraith (Vera), Fenella Woolgar (War & Peace), Mark Bazeley (The Frankenstein Chronicles) and Mike Noble (Mr Selfridge).

Daniel Ryan, who played plumber Bryn Brindsley, first broke the news on Twitter.

The Mount Pleasant actor said: “So, it is with huge sadness I must tell you that #HomeFires has been cancelled. Awful to leave stories untold and lives incomplete. Sorry.”

A petition titled ‘ITV must recommission Home Fires‘ has already gathered over 3,700 signatures.

Were you hoping for a third season? Let us know below…