Farewell, Doctor Blake.
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The city’s favourite sleuth will hang up his hat when he leaves the small screen at the end of the fifth season.
ABC announced last week it would axe the high-rating Ballarat-based television series, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, after its fifth series - bringing the series to an end with a feature-length finale.
The decision has disappointed the city’s tourism leaders and comes after Visit Ballarat announced a Doctor Blake strategy which includes a tour and exhibition.
Visit Ballarat chief executive Noel Dempsey described the show as the “perfect vehicle to showcase our heritage and streetscapes”.
Dr Lucien Blake, played by Craig McLachlan, has been sleuthing around Ballarat solving various murders and mysteries since the cult series launched in 2013.
McLachlan expressed his disappointment at the ABC’s decision to stop filming the series at the end of season and release a tele-movie.
“Well, I'm guessing by now many of you have heard the disappointing news that there will be no sixth season of our beloved show,” McLachlan said in a post to fans.
“Certainly, one might think the viewing figures at home in Australia alone would support that notion.
“Consistent, stunning results mirrored in over 130 countries around the world. And that's all thanks to you guys! I've said it before, The Doctor Blake Mysteries is your show.”
So loyal are the Doctor Blake fans that a petition to save the show has been launched. It has so far garnered more than 1000 signatures.
Ballarat’s Coral Loader signed the petition as soon as she came across it and said she hoped producers would back-track on their decision.
Ms Loader said the old-fashioned show was a “breath of fresh air” among the fast-paced American crime dramas.
“It takes us away from the busyness of modern life and shows what it would have been like living in Ballarat in those days and how they solved crime,” Ms Loader said.
City of Ballarat chief executive Justine Linley backed the series, saying she would support any move to continue the series.
“Dr Blake was one of those series which captured the hearts and imaginations of everyone in Ballarat and it was something the region was incredibly proud of,” Ms Linley said.
“I’m a bit sad there's been a decision for it not to continue, but you never know.”
However, ABC’s head of scripted production Sally Riley said it was a tough call but the time was right to pull the pin.
“Dr Blake has had a sensational run on the ABC and we feel that the time is right to go out while we are still on top,” she said.