London 2/17/2011 12:00:00 AM
News / Entertainment

Outcasts moved to Sunday night slot

BBC One sci-fi drama 'Outcasts' is being moved to a late-night Sunday slot after failing to attract viewers.

The show was launched last Monday (07.02.11) at 9pm with ratings of 4.4 million, but viewing figures have dropped in the three episodes which have subsequently been aired, with last night's (15.02.11) show attracting just 2.6 million people.

After next Monday's (21.02.11) instalment, the series will move to 10.25pm from Sunday 27 February.

However, BBC drama controller, Ben Stephenson, said the move did not signal that the BBC doesn't want to take risks, and insisted the show had attracted a "loyal, core audience".

He added to the Media Guardian: "BBC One and BBC drama support creative risk. Sometimes this means that talented people make shows that don't engage enough of the audience. I have so much respect for any writer who has the nerve and confidence to create their own original world and serve it up to an audience.

"It's highly important to me to support them no matter how the project is received, whilst primarily always trying to engage the widest possible audience."

'Outcasts' - which features an impressive cast including former 'Cold Feet' star Hermione Norris and 'Ugly Betty' actor Eric Mabius - was filmed in South Africa and is made by Kudos, the producer of other BBC drama hits such as 'Spooks' and 'Hustle'.