Charlie Sheen's Two and a Half Men cancelled

Production on Charlie Sheen's TV comedy series 'Two and a Half Men' has been cancelled.

Bosses behind the show decided to axe the remaining four shows of the season following a rant by the troubled actor about the show's creator Chuck Lorre in which he called him a "pu**y punk" and a "charlatan".

In a statement, Warner Bros. Television and broadcaster CBS said: "Based on the totality of Charlie Sheen's statements, conduct and condition, CBS and Warner Bros. Television have decided to discontinue production on 'Two and a Half Men' for the remainder of the season."

However, the 45-year-old actor - who is currently receiving rehab at home for a drink and drug problem - has hit back at Chuck, who he has called a "contaminated little maggot".

In an open letter, he said: "What does this say about Haim Levine [Chuck Lorre] after he tried to use his words to judge and attempt to degrade me. I gracefully ignored this folly for 177 shows ...I fire back once and this contaminated little maggot can't handle my power and can't handle the truth. I wish him nothing but pain in his silly travels especially if they wind up in my octagon.

"Clearly I have defeated this earthworm with my words - imagine what I would have done with my fire breathing fists. I urge all my beautiful and loyal fans who embraced this show for almost a decade to walk with me side-by-side as we march up the steps of justice to right this unconscionable wrong."

Production had been due to continue on the show next week following a hiatus due to Charlie's drug problems.