STV: We'll keep making Taggart

Gritty Glaswegian crime drama Taggart will survive another year after Scottish media group STV vowed to produce it regardless of whether ITV axes the show.

The long-running detective series, which stars Alex Norton as DCI Matt Burke, has still not been recommissioned by ITV for 2010 although STV said negotiations continue over the future of the contract.

But the broadcaster - which is central Scotland's ITV franchise - said as no deal has yet been reached and there are no further shows set to be delivered this year, it forecasts a reduction in earnings of around £2 million for 2009.

"STV recognises the widespread popularity of the programme and the strong ratings and return on investment the series delivers," the firm said today.

"This will ensure that this popular brand continues."

Taggart first aired in 1983 and starred Mark McManus in the title role until his death in 1994.