'No dead bodies, dead kids or rape!': Angela Griffin appears to take a dig at controversial Poldark sex scene after her show Brief Encounters isn't renewed

PUBLISHED: 16:46, 8 November 2016 | UPDATED: 19:17, 8 November 2016

Angela Griffin has seemingly taken a swipe at Poldark for broadcasting a controversial rape scene in the wake of her series Brief Encounters getting axed by ITV.

The 40-year-old actress is 'gutted' that her 1980s-set show - in which she starred as Ann Summers sales rep Nita Dempsey - has been dropped after one series.

In a bitter Twitter rant she appears to have slammed the BBC period drama for airing scenes of an explicit nature and ITV for not letting the 'popular' and 'funny' show develop, despite good viewing figures.

Hitting out: Angela Griffin has seemingly taken a swipe at Poldark for broadcasting a controversial rape scene in the wake of her series Brief Encounters getting axed by ITV

She tweeted: 'Working class, women, northern, new writing, no dead bodies, dead kids or rape. Popular. Funny #briefencounters #gutted ... 5.7m people watched #BriefEncounters for six weeks over the summer (2.3m more than the average). It hasn't been recomissioned.... discuss... (sic)'

Angela could be referring to the scene in Poldark in which Aidan Turner as titular character Captain Ross Poldark bedded his former fiancée Elizabeth Chynoweth [Heida Reed], despite her initial protestations for him to stop before then succumbing to his advances.

In the episode, Poldark turns up unannounced at Elizabeth's house.

He kicks in the door and demands that she cancels her wedding to his enemy George Warleggan.

Annoyed: The 40-year-old actress is 'gutted' that her 1980s-set show has been dropped after one series

She ignores what he says and instead asks him to leave, prompting him to take her face in his hands and forcefully kiss her.

When she pushes him away and insists she loves George, he forces another kiss on her before looking at the bed.

Elizabeth tells Poldark: ‘You will not dare. You will not dare.’

Controversial: Angela could be referring to the scene in Poldark in which Aidan Turner as titular character Captain Ross Poldark bedded his former fiancée Elizabeth Chynoweth

Tension: She ignores what he says and instead asks him to leave, prompting him to take her face in his hands and forcefully kiss her

Distressing: Poldark pushes her on to the bed and she appears to finally give in to him

Gone too soon: Brief Enounters, which also starred Penelope Wilton and Sharon Rooney, won't be renewed by ITV, the show's writers Oriane Messina and Fay Ruslin confirmed

He replies: ‘I would Elizabeth. I would and so will you.’

The lead character then pushes her on to the bed and she appears to finally give in to him.

Meanwhile, Brief Enounters, which also starred Penelope Wilton and Sharon Rooney, won't be renewed by ITV, the show's writers Oriane Messina and Fay Ruslin confirmed.

A joint statement posted on Twitter read: 'Thanks to the 5 million who spent their six week summer holiday with Brief Encounters. We got drunk together, argued, laughed, cried, got sexy and fell in love.

Candid: Angela made a case for the continuation of the show

'Sadly, we won't be holidaying together next year but we hope you will come with us on our next TV adventure.'

ITV added in a statement: 'We have taken the difficult decision not to recommission Brief Encounters for a second series.'

'As a broadcaster we seek to commission a diverse range of drama and as a consequence continually refresh our drama portfolio. We'd like to thank the writers Oriane Messina and Fay Rusling, the production team at CPL Productions and the Brief Encounters cast for their commitment and hard work in creating the drama.'

However, CPL Productions have vowed to find a new broadcaster for the show.

Venting: In a bitter Twitter rant she appears to have slammed the BBC period drama for airing scenes of an explicit nature and ITV for not letting the 'popular' and 'funny' show develop, despite good viewing figures

Axed: Angela, pictured on Brief Encounters, in which she starred as Ann Summers sales rep Nita Dempsey, is 'gutted' it has been dropped

They said: 'Our funny and forthright women struck such a chord with audiences in the UK and worldwide that we are confident there is an appetite for more Brief Encounters, and are looking into all alternative options.'

And fans of the show voiced their dismay on the social media site, with one writing: 'I loved #BriefEncounters and @ITV should give us more!!! All about women empowering women, friendships & life!'

While another said: 'what??!!! That has been one of the best series ITV has shown!! Well written, funny, fab actors...I don't understand?!!'

As a third vented: 'Ridiculous decision. TV highlight of the summer and great to hear working class stories told on prime time! 5.7m want a recommission @ITVTony'