BBC drama 'Ripper Street' rescued in Amazon deal

LONDON - "Ripper Street" has been rescued.

The Victorian detective drama was canceled by the BBC earlier this year after two seasons because of poor ratings. But after an online campaign by fans, it is returning for a third series through a deal between the British broadcaster and online retailer Amazon.

Filming begins in May on the new series, which will be shown first on Amazon's Prime Instant Video service, before airing on BBC television.

Matthew Macfadyen and Jerome Flynn return as 19th-century police fighting crime in the sordid streets of London's East End.

BBC drama boss Ben Stephenson said Wednesday that the deal was "an exceptional opportunity" to bring the show back that would please fans while freeing up BBC money for new drama series.