Acclaimed BBC crime drama sensationally axed after two series – despite a whopping 91% Rotten Tomatoes score

AN acclaimed BBC crime drama has been axed after two series - despite its impressive ratings.

Tokyo Vice has been consigned to the TV graveyard by bosses in a move that will leave fans devastated.

The drama was based on US journalist Jake Adelstein's account of the police beat in the Japanese capital, which was also released as a book in 2009.

Airing on BBC One, it starred Ansel Elgort and Ken Watanabe.

Across the two series viewers watched as Jake relocated to Tokyo to work as a reporter.

However, he had to pass a written exam to have the opportunity to become a staff member at a major Japanese newspaper.

While there, he was under the guidance of Hiroto Katagiri, a detective in the vice squad.

Tokyo Vice bagged itself an impressive 91% Rotten Tomatoes score as fans were left gripped by its story and characters.

However, show bosses have confirmed the drama has been canned and won't return for a third series.

In a statement, they said: "Over the last five years, Max has made sure we got to tell our story. They have supported us through thick and thin.

"Not only did they give us these two seasons, they said yes when we asked to end season one with a series of cliffhangers, and they said yes when we asked for two extra episodes so we could land the plane in the way J.T. had always envisioned."

Adding a glimmer of hope the show could find a new home, they added: "We know there is more story to tell. Of course, we’ll see what the future holds, but we are indeed grateful to have been able to share this story on Max until now."