West Wing is voted out

The new president on The West Wing seems likely to have a short role.

The Emmy-winning political drama is being axed after seven seasons, TV network NBC said. Its ratings have sunk to below 8million viewers in the US, from a peak of 17million.

The series will end with the inauguration of a successor to president Josiah Bartlet, played by Martin Sheen. NBC, which is struggling after its worst season, said: 'There's a point when you look at the ratings and say it feels like time.'

The finale will be broadcast in May, as will the last episode of Will And Grace. There are also question marks over the futures of comedies Joey and Scrubs.