The future of ITV drama Heartbeat is hanging in the balance. Filming of the current series will end in May and it is yet to be confirmed whether a production schedule will ever be resumed. An ITV spokesman said: "Production is being rested because there is a stockpile of episodes to be aired - two years worth. Filming will finish later this year but fans won't miss out. A decision about production is something that could be revisited at any time." Nikki Sanderson - who plays Dawn Bellamy in the nostalgic drama series - recently told whatsontv.co.uk that she was unsure of what the future held for the Heartbeat. She said: "We don't know whether it's going to be finishing, whether it's going to be put on hold for a few months or whether we are gonna carry on but that it's just gonna be less episodes during the year. "We haven't had a confirmation yet, so I couldn't honestly tell you exactly what's happening with it." Nikki also commented on reports that die-hard fans of the show have signed petitions campaigning for its survival. She said: "There's been petitions and stuff - because it's a very long-running programme and it's really close to quite a lot of people's hearts, people have campaigned, which is lovely. "They've put a lot of effort in it to try and keep it on the screens." CLICK below to watch an interview with Nikki Sanderson
Get exclusive access to your favourite stars. Subscribe to TV Times magazine
