Ritter's Swansong Show Axed

TV bosses at US network ABC have cancelled sitcom 8 SIMPLE RULES two years after the shock death of the show's star John Ritter.

Funnyman Ritter, 55, was on the set of the family comedy in September 2003 when he died after suffering an aortic dissection, caused by high blood pressure.

He was replaced by James Garner on the show, but the sitcom has suffered in the ratings over the past year, and will not return for a fourth season.

Other shows chopped from ABC's line-up include Damon Wayans' comedy MY WIFE + Kids, LESS THAN PERFECT, controversial reality show EXTREME MAKEOVER and acclaimed new drama BLIND JUSTICE, in which Ron Eldard plays a sightless cop.