STV has promised Taggart fans a new series next year. The gritty detective show was under threat as ITV said it might not show it throughout the UK.

STV told the Stock Exchange today it will produce a new series regardless of the outcome of ongoing talks with ITV.

A spokesperson for STV said: "In the event that ITV do not re-commission Taggart, we can confirm that STV will make Taggart for delivery in 2010.

"STV recognises the widespread popularity of the programme. This will ensure that this popular brand continues."

Taggart is the longest-running cop series in Britain and first aired in 1983 starring Mark McManus in the title role until his death in 1994.

Based in Glasgow’s Maryhill area, the popular show now has an international following and is translated into many languages including German, French and Japanese.