ITV will not order a fourth series of Play To The Whistle, its sports-based panel show.

However, according to reports the format is merely being "rested" and may still return for one-off specials.

The show, which launched in 2015, ran for three series. Hosted by Holly Willoughby, with Bradley Walsh and Frank Lampard as the team captains, it also starred Seann Walsh, Romesh Ranganathan and Jimmy Bullard in regular roles.

Various national newspaper reports state that there will not be a Series 4 due to the busy schedules of the programme's stars, and because the comedy failed to pick up enough viewers week-on-week. The first two series were shown on Saturday nights, but Series 3 - broadcast in February - was moved to Tuesday evenings.

A source reportedly told the press: "ITV loved the format and panel shows are historically popular. Having Holly as host is a big draw as are Bradley and Frank as captains. But it hasn't performed as they'd hoped so they are resting it for now."

They added: "The regulars and guests did a great job but it just didn't work out."

However, Play To The Whistle may still return for special episodes, including one linked to next year's football World Cup in Russia.

The Sun quotes a production source as saying: "They still plan to bring it out for big sporting occasions, such as the football World Cup next year but it won't run for another full series. Holly is going to be up to her eyes in it with Dancing On Ice and This Morning' and Frank and Bradley have a lot on their plate with their other commitments."