'At Home With Julia' axed before end of first season

At Home with Julia has been cancelled after only four episodes.

The Australian parody series, which stars comedians Amanda Bishop and Phil Lloyd as Prime Minister Julia Gillard and partner Tim Mathieson, caused controversy after last week's episode showed the couple post-coitally draped in an Australian flag on the floor of Gillard's office.

An ABC spokesperson said: "We are thrilled at the response the series has had, exciting and dividing viewers alike, but at this stage there are no plans for another series of At Home with Julia."

Bishop and Lloyd allegedly wrote six episodes of the show, but the last two were never filmed and will not go to air. Tomorrow night's episode will be the last.

After the controversial 'flag-gate' episode, Nationals MP John Forrest said: "I am offended, and we should take a stand," while Liberal MP Bronwyn Bishop described the series as "tasteless". Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan added: "I don't mind programmes taking the mickey out of politicians but frankly, I think this one is a bit low rent."

Last week, Gillard herself said that she had "more to do" than watch a show based on her, but admitted that "aspects of that first episode were funny".