Wild at Heart facing the axe

'Wild at Heart' is facing the axe from ITV1.

The safari drama - which focuses on the life of British vet Danny Trevanion (Stephen Tompkinson), who opens up a game reserve in South Africa - has seen its ratings slump from a high of more than 10 million to 5.7 million last week and could now be given the chop by channel bosses.

While the cast, including Hayley Mills and Lucy-Jo Hudson, are said to "love" making the series, the costs associated with shooting in South Africa are reportedly causing ITV chiefs to plug on the show after seven seasons.

An insider told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Everyone involved knows it's expensive to make and it's not as popular as it used to be so it's not rocket science.

"The cast and crew love making it, but all good things come to an end and we've had a good run."

However, a spokesperson for the ITV1 show insisted the rumours are "pure speculation" and a decision won't be made on whether 'Wild at Heart' will be recommissioned until the current series comes to an end.

She said: "It's pure speculation. The show is still doing good ¬business for us and has lots of loyal fans. We never decide on a recommission until after a show ends."

Show star Stephen Tompkinson has previously admitted the cast are anticipating that this will be the final series.

Last year, he said: "Everyone worked hard because we thought if this is the last series, we'll make it the best."