ITV has announced that Law & Order: UK will take a break “for the foreseeable future” following the departure of lead actor Bradley Walsh.

Walsh has played Ronnie Brooks in all eight series of the crime drama. Created by acclaimed US show runner Dick Wolf and based on the US franchise, Law & Order: UK began on ITV in February 2009 and has run for over 50 episodes.

Also starring Doctor Who‘s Peter Davison alongside Ben Bailey Smith, Georgia Taylor and Dominic Rowan, Series 8’s postponed finale will air at 9pm on Wednesday 11 June on ITV.

ITV’s Director of Drama Commissioning Steve November revealed: “There may well come a time when we re-visit Law & Order: UK. For the moment we’ll be resting the series whilst we continue to refresh our drama slate.”

Commenting on his decision to quit the show to pursue other projects, Bradley Walsh said: “Ronnie Brooks is one of my best friends. It’s been an absolute pleasure to inhabit Ronnie’s Mac for as long as I have. Eight series is a wonderful achievement for everyone involved in the production. This has been one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.  I hope one day to revisit him, but for now I’d like the opportunity to pursue other drama projects which ITV are developing.”

The actor added: “Don’t forget you have one more chance to watch Ronnie in action on 11 June. I’d really love fans of the series, old and new, to watch the final episode to give the series a fitting and proper send off.”

Executive producer Jane Featherstone commented: “It’s been a privilege for Kudos to produce Law & Order: UK over the last eight series. It’s success and huge audience appeal over all of these years is a testament to the cast, crew and production team who have worked tirelessly to bring such great drama to air.”

Are you going to miss Law & Order: UK? Let us know below…